Arthur "Wilmer" Smith

Arthur Wilmer Smith was born July 8, 1933 and died peacefully Friday, December 8, 2023. He was 90 years old and a life-long resident of Newnan. He was the son of the late Vera Fay Burks Smith and William Henry Smith. He is survived by his sister Joyce Smith Estep. After a very short courtship of three months, Wilmer married Thelma Louise Rainey on October 10, 1953. This union of 68 years produced four children; Jane (Lyn) Johnston; Brett (Nancy) Smith; Deborah Ward; and Mary Faye (Warren) Moore. Quickly following were 13 grandchildren and in short order 30 great grandchildren with 1 on the way and 4 great-great grandchildren. He was a major influence in all their lives. Wilmer began working in his Dad's grocery store located on Arnco Mill Village at 12 years of age. He would go to the store after school and run it till closing. When salesman came by, he would purchase whatever he thought would sell and handle stocking. He purchased his first car at age of 16. He joined the Army National Guard at age of 17 and served for seven years. He also served in the Michigan National Guard when living there. He graduated from Western High School in the eleventh grade. His was the last class to go to school for eleven years. The following classes graduated after twelve years. His next job was at Kessler's of Newnan where he worked until he enrolled in Lincoln Chiropractic College. With a wife and two small children to support he had to leave the college and began working for the Ford Motor Company where he worked for ten years. This required driving from Newnan to Atlanta daily. He then went to work for the Playtex Corporation for about five years before becoming a partner with Earl Hall building houses. He had a very successful career as a residential contractor building many homes in Newnan. After retirement he enjoyed many years of traveling to Blue Grass Festivals in his motor home - often traveling with his siblings and taking his grandchildren. When they first married Wilmer and Louise attended Mount Carmel United Methodist Church where he led building the replacement church. Later he became a member of Providence Baptist Church and was an Ordained Deacon. He was always available to do any work needed in the church building or grounds and Pastor Ken Norton depended on him. Wilmer and Louise spent much of their time traveling. They traveled all over the United States, Canada and six of the seven continents. Two of their favorite places to visit were Hawaii and Colorado. A celebration of his life for family and friends will be held at McKoon Funeral Home 38 Jackson St. Newnan, GA on Monday, December 11th beginning with visitation at 1:00 pm and service at 3:00 pm. Dr. Ken Norton Officiating. Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be sent to Providence Baptist Church at 918 Providence Church Road, Newnan, GA 30263. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580.

Arthur "Wilmer" Smith

July 8, 1933 - December 8, 2023