Robert J. (Jack) Smith, 80, of Valdosta died Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at the Langdale Hospice House after a short illness. He was born in Jacksonville, Fla., on Oct. 28, 1928, to the late Lonnie Green and Audrey (Harrell) Smith and had lived in Valdosta for most of his life. Mr. Smith retired from Owens Illinois Multi-Wall Division in Clyattville after 24 years and later worked for Dowling Bag Company for several years. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served in the Korean War. Mr. Smith was a member of the St. John the Baptist Masonic Lodge #184. He loved music very much and played in many bands around South Georgia and North Florida. He loved fishing and working in his yard.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Mary Ann Becton Smith of Valdosta; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Jim Cantrell of Patterson, Ga.; son and daughter-in-law, Benny and Cindy Smith of Key West, Fla.; six grandchildren, Staci Fender of Patterson, Stevey (Missy) Fender of Valdosta, Layci (Donald) Stanhope of Patterson, Sonny (Bre) Smith of Okinawa, Japan, Mendi (Barry) Young of Longmont, Colo. and Samantha Smith of Pa.; 16 great-grandchildren; brother and special friend, Joe Smith and Jeanette Davis of Valdosta; two sisters, Mary Royal of Marietta and Betty Lieupo of Lake Park.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, July 5, 2009, in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home with the Rev. Tommy Bussey officiating. Burial will follow in the Redland Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Grace Hospice, Hospice of South Georgia, American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. — Carson McLane Funeral Home.