Walter Hugh Smith

Walter Hugh Smith, 68, of Murrayville, passed away Wednesday, January 18, 2012, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Levi and Lillian Carnes Smith; brother, Jack Smith; step-children, Korey and Joshua Godfrey; brother-in-law, Edmund "Doodle" Walls; nephew, Jeffrey Todd Smith.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Joan Corn Smith; sons and daughter-in-laws, Mike and Dixie Smith, Clermont; David and Beth Smith, Murrayville; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Charles Baker, Auburn, AL. Beloved grandchildren Cade Runyon, Brantley Moore, and Barrett Smith. Brothers and sisters-in-law, Rev. Randy and Cathy Smith, Cumming; Joe B and Jan Smith, Murrayville; sisters, Betty Walls, Cumming; Nettie Parnell, Gainesville and sister-in-law, Elaine Smith, Gainesville. He was known and loved as "Pop" by Rob, Nicole, Kylie, Nicholas and John Robert Reh and Ashley, Candi, Abram, and Elin Wilkins and the best friend of Tater Porter.

Hugh was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church #2.

Hugh's passion was automobiles. From the dirt tracks, to the car shows around the southeast and beyond, Hugh's expertise was widely sought and highly valued. The cars he has worked on have been national car show winners, everyday hot rods, and even getting someone's car going to get to work. His knowledge and advice have been passed on to more people than anyone will ever know. In a nutshell, if it could be done, he would do it. He was never happier than with his friends and fellow car enthusiasts driving, showing, working on and talking about his passion.

Funeral services will be held Friday, January 20, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt Zion Baptist Church #2.

Rev. Randy Smith, Rev. Stephen Gerrells, and Rev. Danny Jarrard will officiate.

Interment will follow at Pleasant Grove Methodist Church cemetery.

Mr. Smith will lay in state at the church on Friday from 1:30 PM until 2 PM.

The family will be receiving friends at Banister Funeral Home in Dahlonega on Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 9:00, and on Thursday from 2:00 until 4:00 in the afternoon and 6:00 until 9:00 in the evening.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega is in charge of the arrangements.