Donald Patrick "Don" Smith

Donald Patrick "Don" Smith, age 81, died Monday, October 9, 2023 at home surrounded by his family.  Born April 10, 1942 in Rolling, WI, he was the son of the late Robert and Mary (Fellner) Smith. On November 23, 1963 he married Shirley Jean Vandehey in Antigo, Wisconsin and they would soon be celebrating their 60th anniversary. Don began his career working for Artic Cat and was a world champion snowmobile racer in the 60’s and 70’s. He and his wife Shirley later went on to own and operate three successful men and women's clothing stores from 1972 to 1989 in Clintonville, WI. Don developed an interest in real estate and received his Broker's license in 1987. His real estate business brought him to Georgia in 1994 where he fell in love with Lake Oconee. After making this his home, he became a Georgia licensed Realtor in 1996.  He was one of the top realtors at REMAX Lake Oconee making many lasting friends and retiring in the fall of 2021. Don was a member of Christ Our King and Savior Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Hunting, fishing, golfing, and watching the Green Bay Packer games with his children and grandchildren were some of his happiest moments.

 He is survived by his wife Shirley Smith of Eatonton, GA; his sons and grandchildren, Dr. Ted (Karen) Smith, Ryan, Rhett, and Thea of Eatonton, GA and William (Terri) Smith, Hunter, Kyler, and Payton of Woodstock, GA; siblings, Joan Benishek, Mary Waldvogel (Pat), Diane Koeppel (Phil), Al Smith (Lois) and Wayne Smith [Deceased] (Lucille).

 A Memorial service will be held at McCommons Chapel on Monday, October 16, 2023 at 6:00 p.m. with Rev. Alec Ward officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until time for the service at the funeral home. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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