Mahlon Jackson Smith Jr., affectionately known as “Little Jack”, died October 5th after fighting a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Jack was born in Monroe on October 20th, 1951. He attended Monroe Area High School and graduated from Castle Heights. He later attended North Georgia College. After college, Jack joined the family business, Smith Tire and Automotive. After the business was sold, he started his own business, The Jack Smith Company. Later, he worked for Atha Equipment Rental Company. After retiring, his new passion became golf.
Jack lived his life with a strength and determination that were unmistakably his own. He was stubbornly strong, and that strength carried him through some of the greatest challenges of his life. Nineteen years ago, Jack faced pancreatic cancer and underwent major surgery, a Whipple procedure. His survival was nothing short of a miracle. Two years ago, Jack once again beat cancer, bravely overcoming bladder cancer. When pancreatic cancer came again, he faced it with that same fierce determination and courage. He fought bravely until the very end.
Jack had a personality that people did not soon forget. He loved to pick at people, tease them, and kid with both friends and strangers. He could make people laugh and had a way of making even an ordinary encounter memorable. He never seemed to meet a stranger. Jack was blessed with many close friends who became like family to him, and those friendships were a treasured part of his life. His humor, mischievous spirit, and ability to make people feel welcome will be deeply missed.
Jack loved all kinds of cars and took great pride in keeping them meticulously clean. A trip to the car wash was often part of his weekly routine. He also loved playing golf and spending time with friends on the course. One of his greatest passions was horses, especially Tennessee Walking Horses. His love for horses was a special part of his life.
Jack was a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan. He had season tickets and seldom missed a game. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie and fun of tailgate parties, with the Georgia-Florida game being a particular favorite.
Jack was a member of First Baptist Church Monroe and was also a Mason. His faith, family, friendships, and the many communities of which he was a part were important pieces of his life.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but the memories of his laughter, his teasing, his strength, and his unmistakable spirit will remain with his family and friends forever.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening from 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Meadows Funeral Home. His funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church Monroe, followed by burial at West Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jack’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Angie Martin Smith and four children. Jason Smith (Charlene), Lynn Carrell , Kay McNulty (Chris), Ryan Smith (fiancee Rachel Yanochik), his sister Julie Sellers, and 9 grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his father Mahlon Jackson Smith Sr (“Big Jack”) and his mother Sarah Edith Briscoe Smith.
Reposted courtesy of Meadows Funeral Home.
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