Harlan E. Smith's Obituary
Harlan E. Smith, Servant of Jesus Christ
Harlan E. Smith, 89, of Smyrna, GA passed to heaven on October 12, 2020. Harlan was born July 11, 1931, in Tallapoosa, GA to Evelyn Sanders and Joe Smith. He was a loving husband of 53 years, father of three sons, grandfather of five, and witness of Jesus Christ to countless people.
Harlan grew up in a hard-working cotton farming family in Haralson County during the end of the Great Depression. He came to personally know our Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 17. He joined the United States Air Force at the age of 20 and served his country four years. He started a job at The Coca-Cola Company with a career of nearly 38 years before his retirement. He married Judy in 1967 and they started a family in Mableton, GA, where they raised their sons. When he was 37 years old he was baptized, along with Judy, by pastor Hubert Long. He was actively involved in church, even preaching as a lay-preacher on occasion, and he consistently led Sunday School groups. He and Judy moved to Smyrna in 2006. Harlan loved to share the love of Christ through his words and actions. When presented and led by the Holy Spirit, he would not miss an opportunity to ask if you also knew Jesus Christ, saying, “It was the most important question you’d ever be asked to answer.” Harlan knew whom he believed in and kept his commitment to Christ faithfully (2 Timothy 1:12).
He is survived by his wife, Judy Ann Roach Smith, his sons Bryan, Jason (Brooks), and Joah Smith, and his grandchildren Meredith, Kendall, Garrett, Josey, and Juliana. He is also survived by his brother, Howard Smith, and sisters Norma Hamrick, Ezma Sharpe, and Barbara Sue Nash.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations in honor of Harlan be made to Calvary Children’s Home, Powder Springs, GA or to The Gideons International.
A COVID-19 aware, socially-distanced visitation will be held on Monday, October 19, 2020, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel. The family asks your co-operation to keep visitation and the service socially-distanced, groups should remain 6 feet apart and wear masks. Chapel seating may be limited due to social distancing.
Interment will be the following day on Tuesday, October 20 at 10:30 AM at Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA.
For those wishing to view the service virtually, Mr. Smith's funeral service will be live-streamed at the above listed time on his Tribute Page at www.davisstruempf.com.
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