Mr. Leavell Smith, age 85, of Newnan, GA, died at Brightmoor Hospice on Dec. 23, 2012. He was born in Dooley County, Georgia, on June 7, 1927, to the late Lander Smith and Dailyer Riddle Smith. Leavell was a hardworking entrepreneur who made his living from the land. He had been a farmer in Coweta County since the late 1940s. He was best know for growing watermelons and greens.
In days gone by, he was a fur trapper and was inducted into the Trapper’s Hall of Fame at the State Capitol in 1998. He was also known for his “boxcar” lumber. In the 1970s he began removing the wood from the interiors of train cars, which he used to build his house and many others.
He was a World War II veteran proudly serving his country in the Army. Leavell was a simple man. He loved his family, working, fishing, and giving to others. He and his wife, Betty, were married for 65 years. He was a member of Sargent Baptist Church. His favorite Bible verse was Proverbs 22:1. “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” He leaves behind a great legacy.
Surviving are his wife, Betty Folds Smith of Newnan; daughters, Terri Payton (Farron), Faye Knott (Doug), and stepdaughter, Elaine McKoy (Frank), all of Newnan; 8 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.higginshillcrestchapel.com .
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 27, at the funeral home with Rev. Farron Payton, Rev. Joe Payton, and Rev. Matt Martin officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, Dec. 26 from 5-8 p.m.
Higgins Hillcrest Chapel Funeral Home, Newnan
