Lester Wayne Smith

Lester Wayne Smith, age 74, of Valdosta, Georgia passed away on Thursday, August 10, 2023, after a lengthy illness. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Cleve Smith and Oveda Smith Carter, his father-in-law and friend Thomas E. Powell. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 50 years, Joy Powell Smith, his daughter, Ginger Smith Keesling (Kristian) of Lake Park, Georgia, his son Thomas Cleve Smith of Valdosta, Georgia, his sister, Shirley Smith Stewart of Lake Park, Georgia, his grandchildren, Michael Keesling (Brittanee), Andrew Keesling (Hannah), Caitlin Smith, Christopher Blue (Emily) and Marissa Blue Keltesch (Clayton), his three great grandchildren, Eden Joy Keesling, Solomon Andrew Keesling and Ryland Wayne Keesling, his mother-in-law, Aline Powell, sister-in-law, Yvonne Douberley (Dwight) of Lake City, Florida, brother-in-law, Roger Powell of Statenville, Georgia and several nieces and nephews.
Wayne enjoyed helping people and especially loved working with young people. He assisted the basketball and track coaches at his alma mater, Echols County Schools, for many years. He enjoyed watching sports and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan. He served as a school bus trainer and driver for over 20 years in the Georgia Public School serving Echols, Thomas, Chatham & Seminole counties.
Wayne served as pastor in the South Georgia Church of God for many years, pastoring the following churches: Meigs, East Savannah, Oakview and Forrest Street. He served several terms on the Youth & Christian Education Board of South Georgia. He worked with young people for over 20 years at the youth camps in South Georgia.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Abundant Life Church of God, Valdosta, Georgia with Rev. Wayne Hughes & Rev. R.M. Warren officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior at the church. Interment will follow in the Carter Cemetery, Echols County, Georgia. Flowers will be graciously accepted or in lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Wayne Smith Youth Camp Scholarship fund, South Georgia Church of God, P.O. Box 1370, Tifton, Georgia, 31793 https://sgacog.org/give . Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Smith family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services, Valdosta.