Shedrick Smith

Our beloved, Shedrick Smith, peacefully passed away on Monday, September 25, 2023, at Flowers Hospital in Dothan, Alabama.  He was a sociable, upbeat, and fun-loving man that never met a stranger.  He also had many friends and was well-known around Fort Gaines and other surrounding areas. If you knew him, you know that he talked to everyone and was often seen downtown near the local post office. If you encountered him, you would probably get a, “Hey, bud” or “What’s up, bud” as he greeted you.

Shedrick Smith was born on June 1, 1945, to the late Leroy and Flossie Smith in Fort Gaines, Georgia.  He was the fifth of ten children.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon and assist from time to time with the usher board.

Shedrick receive his education in Bluffton, Georgia and Clay County, Georgia.  He graduated from Asbury Speight High School in 1965. 

Shedrick Smith was united in holy matrimony on December 10, 1971, to Lender Smith of Ashford, Alabama.  He was a devoted and loving husband to his wife for almost 48 years until her death in 2019. Although they had no biological children, their love for children has been felt throughout the community through their many acts of kindness.

Shedrick began his professional career as a construction worker where he commuted from Fort Gaines, GA to Rome, Georgia in his 1966 Galaxy 500.  He was also employed at the Nuclear Plant in Columbia, Alabama. Years later, he was employed by WestPoint Pepperell-Stevens for over 30 years, where he worked in the warehouse until the company closed. He also worked for Lewis Mortuary until his health declined.  Additionally, he volunteered with the Clay County Fire Department for many years, which he loved.  He always kept the radio on him and was sometimes on the scene before the fire truck arrived, with his lights flashing. Shedrick was also a member of Masonic Moonlight Lodge #72.

Shedrick was a true lover of cars, always kept the cleanest ride around, and he most certainly has passed that tradition down to his brother Willie. In his spare time, he loved washing and detailing cars. Shedrick was a passionate wrestling fan. He was also a collector of many things such as electronics, gadgets, clocks, coins, and lights.

Shedrick was preceded in death by his parents, Leroy and Flossie Smith, two infant siblings and his wife, Lender Smith.  He leaves to cherish his memories, four sisters, Edith Baldwin (Harvey) of Columbus, GA, Mattie Wright of Hyattsville, MD, Vehester Hull of Fort Gaines, GA and Ophelia Wallace  of Upper Malboro, MD; three brothers, Lester Smith of Albany, GA, Holloway Smith (Minnie) of Fort Gaines, GA and Willie Smith (Cecilia) of Atlanta, GA; a special great niece and god-daughter, Anijha Baker, devoted niece and caregiver, Trenesha Lockhart, an adored god-niece, Andrea Gainer-McCray, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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