Obituary of Dennis Paul Smith

Dennis Paul Smith, 70, of Flovilla, Georgia died at home on Saturday, June 10, 2023. He was born March 14, 1953, in Griffin, Georgia, the son of the late Robert Louis Smith and Lurlene Burford Smith. Dennis’ passing leaves a great void in the lives of his devoted wife of 49 years, Nancy McMichael Smith; his three loving children, Natalie (Kenneth), Sally (Steven) and Rhett (Anna); his six precious grandchildren, Braden Sumner, Sam Sumner, Lena Sumner, Benton Jarratt, Declan Smith and Hadley Smith; his beloved sister, Judy Smith Skinner (Tim); fun-loving brother-in-law, Malcom McMichael (Martha); adored nieces and nephew, Lori Skinner McNeil (Chris), Alicia Skinner Oncale (Heath), Valerie McMichael and Tommy McMichael (Kelly); a special aunt and uncle, Pat Smith Chambers and Larry Smith (Linda); along with several great nieces and nephews.

Dennis was a carpenter by trade, meticulously and precisely crafting homes and offices around the area, but he was also a master tinkerer, often inventing or adapting things if what he needed did not exist. He had an adventurous spirit and was always up for a spontaneous trip to the mountains, to the lake or to the beach. 

Known to some as Dink, to others as Daddy and to children as Boppa, Dennis was the personification of a strong, southern gentleman. Through his storytelling, he used his easy wit to make people laugh and feel welcomed, as if they were part of his own family. Children gravitated to Dennis; his tender spirit transcended the divide between child and adult. He took absolute pride in the moniker, “Boppa,” given to him by his grandchildren, and from then on all children called him by the same name. He was an expert grandpa; he was kind, thoughtful and an intent listener.

While traveling and singing southern gospel music with his father, sister and brother-in-law, he met Nancy, the love of his life who later became his wife. He continued to use his rich, baritone voice to lead the music at Flovilla Baptist for decades, where he was a member and a deacon. He used that deep voice to sing his babies and later his grandbabies to sleep.

Dennis loved the Lord, and Heaven rejoiced in having his beautiful voice join their choir.  

Funeral services for Dennis Paul Smith will be Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. at Flovilla Baptist Church in Flovilla, Georgia. Rev. Dave Nelson will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the Fellowship Hall of Flovilla Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Flovilla Baptist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 90, Flovilla, GA 30216. 

Those who wish may sign the online guest registry at www.sherrell-westburyfuneralhome.com.

Sherrell-Westbury Funeral Home, 212 E. College Street, Jackson, GA, is serving the Smith family.