Coach Jack Smith

Coach Jack Smith, b. Walter Jacky Smith, of Thomaston, GA, died peacefully at home on Friday, September 5, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born on July 26, 1933, in Nashville, TN, he was the son of Will Clay Smith, Jr. and Laurabel Everal Sanders Smith. His parents both worked for Grant Banks and were transferred first to Jacksonville, FL and then to Thomaston, GA, where Jack grew up, lettering in basketball and football in high school. He spent summers in Chicago with his grandparents and traveling to Washington, D.C. to visit his uncle, Everett Sanders—a former U.S. Representative, Chief of Staff to President Calvin Coolidge, and Chairman of the Republican National Committee—often taking the train from Atlanta with his younger brother, Billy.

Jack proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1955 during the Korean War, during which time he was briefly married to his high school girlfriend, Evelyn Smith, and they had daughters Beverly and Cathy. He later continued his service in the United States Navy from 1957 until 1961. He attended the University of Georgia on the GI Bill while working as a cameraman at PBS GA Public Television. Jack met the love of his life, Joan Chastain Smith, working at Kass’s Store for Men on their Christmas breaks from college and, upon her graduation from North GA College in 1961 and his graduation from UGA in 1963, they married and began distinguished and storied careers as teachers in the Georgia public school system, where Jack also earned widespread admiration as a deeply beloved football coach. They later also owned Smith’s Jewelry in Barnesville, GA. Jack was a devoted member of the Georgia High School Coaches Association and was voted AA Middle GA Coach of the Year in his division. He and Joan had two children, Jackie and Michael, and after several years of moving around Georgia, building his coaching career, they settled back in Thomaston, GA to be closer to their mutual extended families.

Several years after Joan’s tragic early death from cancer in 1985, Jack married Doris Woodson Smith, also of Thomaston, and spent his retirement years here. He enjoyed traveling around the country, visiting family and seeing sights, spending time and vacations locally with Doris and her family, Mike and Suzanne Streetman, and their extended family. An avid and excellent golfer, Jack played daily for years with his group in Thomaston and especially loved his 6-day-a-week gym workout schedule at the Wellness Center and his cherished group of friends there – he was still working out as of June 2025.

Jack is survived by his wife Doris Woodson Smith, of Thomaston; daughters Beverly Ann Davis (Andy Davis) of Douglasville, GA, Mary Catherine Sutherland of Olathe, KS, and Jackie Sanders (Bill Hayes) of New York, NY; son, Michael Sanders Smith (Jessica Ivey-Smith) of Duluth, GA; stepson, Mike Streetman (Suzanne Streetman) of Thomaston. Grandchildren: Chris, Brett, Samantha, Lance, Adam, Olin, Joani, Annie, Charlotte, Jared and Kraig. Great-Grandchildren: Preston, Hunter, Max, Kennedy, Cade, Brooklyn, Maple, Trent, Reese, Molly and Smith; and many adored nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Will Clay Smith and Laurabel Everal Sanders Smith, his brother, Will Clay Smith III, and his wife, Joan Chastain Smith. Jack was loved and cherished by all who knew him and will be deeply missed by everyone, leaving behind a life of love, dedication and kindness. He said that he wanted to be remembered for two things – He paid his bills and he loved his kids.

A Celebration of Life for Jack will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 13, at Thomaston First Methodist Church with Rev. John Halley and Rev. Dean Hemphill officiating. Interment will follow at South View Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest next to Joan. Jack’s family look forward to receiving family and friends and celebrating this great man who loved Thomaston so very much.

Jack actively supported St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation and the First Methodist Church of Thomaston.

Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com.