Franklin A. Smith, 81, of Jesup, Ga. died Thursday, March 21, 2024. The Pierce County native had lived in Wayne County most of his life and was a 1962 graduate of Odum High School. He was a member of First Freewill Baptist Church. Franklin was a retired employee with Georgia Natural Gas Company, a former National Guardsman, served several terms as a Wayne County Commissioner and the Wayne County Hospital Board. He was a 3rd Degree Master Mason of Jesup Lodge 112 and a long- time volunteer with the Gardi and Jesup Fire Departments.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed his home at the coast, fishing, hunting, and cooking game with his fellow outdoorsman. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia McDuffie Smith; his parents, Pete and Eula Smith; brother, Alvernor Smith; sisters, Beulah Ann Combs and Diwanna Hardie.

Survivors are two sons, Craig (Amy) Smith of White Oak and Brian (Nicki) Smith of Jesup; grandchildren, Brianna, Caden, and Kylee Smith; great granddaughter, Kennedy Gest; sister, Darlene Carter of Odum, Ga, several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, March 25, 2024 from Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Randy Pruitt officiating.  Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery with full masonic rites. Active pallbearers will be Keith Combs, Mike Odom, Jr., Miles Sanders, Paul McDuffie, Randall Aspinwall and Grant Lewis.

Visitation will be 2 to 4 PM Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of South Georgia Building Fund, 1625 Sunset Blvd., Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.