Jack Smith was born December of 1925 in a small town outside of Sandersville, Ga. He was the fourth child of seven and remembered his childhood as a very happy and carefree time. Jack joined the Navy in 1943 to defend his country and follow in the footsteps of his elder brothers William (Army) and James (Marines).
He witnessed much during wartime in the Pacific and became a member of the elite Scouts and Raiders. (He was very proud of this time and it is documented in a book he wrote later in life). After WWII, he attended art school in Chicago, IL where he trained as a commercial artist.
Moving to Atlanta, Ga, Jack began his art career at Stein Printing Company. He started the first art design studio in Atlanta (GADS – Greater Atlanta Design Studio) with several commercial artists, later working as a freelance Commercial Artist and ending his career as Art Director of Williams Printing Company. During this time, he met the love of his life, Joy Davis. They married in 1961 and had their only daughter, Laurie a few years later. He loved serving his community and was very active with the Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church community, teaching Sunday School, heading the Heritage Committee and creating many lovely pieces of artwork representing this Church and its history.
After Joy’s death, Jack moved to Acworth, Ga and involved himself with the art community of Gallery 4463, then The Art House. He loved his time with this community, showing his art work and talking with patrons. He also found friends and a Veteran’s community at the Acworth Bookstore, which became his favorite place to regale everyone with his many stories. Jack’s kindness, sense of humor and love will be greatly missed.
Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife Joy Davis Smith and his six siblings, William Smith, Carrie Smith Cox, James K Smith, Carroll Smith, Bobby E Smith and Gerald D Smith. He is survived by his daughter, son-in-law and grandson, Laurie Smith Arnold, Bill Arnold and Wesley Arnold.
A celebration of Jack’s life and military service will be held on May 6, 2022 promptly at 10:00 AM at Georgia National Cemetery, 1080 Scott Hudgens Dr. Canton, GA 30114. If attending please arrive no later than 9:45 am to line up for the procession.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain Hospice or The Art House, Acworth, GA.
