Chris Smith

William Christopher Smith, 51, passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025 of injuries sustained in an auto accident while doing what he loved the most, riding his buggy and enjoying the outdoors with the ones he loved.

A native and lifelong resident of Jesup, Chris or “Chrissy,” as he was affectionately known, was born on May 22, 1973 to the late William Shelton Smith, Sr. “Cookie” and Imogene Robertson Smith.  He was educated in the Wayne County School system, graduating from Wayne County High School in 1991 and receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southern University in 1995.  After college, Chris began a career at Rayonier where he worked faithfully for over twenty-five years, earning the title of Lead Operator of C Machine.  Chris was blessed with a high level of intelligence and intuition. He was passionate, strong and caring. To know Chris, was to love him and likewise, he loved in return.  He was always willing to lend a helping hand to others and he loved to make jokes, laugh and have fun with those he loved. Chris was the life of the party and he loved to sing and dance.  In his spare time, Chris enjoyed almost any outdoor activity including hunting, fishing, boating or just hanging out by the pool, grilling and having a good time. 

In addition to his parents, his first wife, Deborah Winn Smith; sister-in-law, Angie Landon Smith and his niece, Taylor Brooke Smith, all preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Courtney Smith of Jesup; six children, Zachary Smith of Madison, Georgia, Zoe Smith of Macon, Georgia, Bria Huffman of Statesboro and Brady Huffman, Eliza Puccio and Davis Puccio all of Jesup; brother, Shelton Smith and wife, Kathy of Jesup; sister, Jennifer Beasley and husband, Steve of Jesup; two nieces, Mallory Dixon and husband, Josh and Stephene Harrell and husband, Luke all of Hortense.  Numerous great nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members also survive.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2025 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Howard & Jones Funeral Home in Jesup with Rev. Dickie Waters officiating.

Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Doug Raulerson, Jason Priester, Chris Altman, Wade Collins, Justin Goarcke and Zach Morgan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chris Smith, please visit our floral store.