Otis Byron Smith, Sr., 93

Durden Hudson Funeral Directors announces the death of Otis Byron Smith, Sr., 93, of Swainsboro, who passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, following an extended illness. Funeral services were conducted Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. at Peebles-Curry Memorial Chapel with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating assisted by Reverend Shannon Boula. Interment followed at Lambs Cemetery. Family received friends Wednesday, March 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Durden Hudson Funeral Directors.

Pallbearers were Jeff Newsome, Mike Rowland, Noot Irvin, Steve Claxton, Courtney Terwilliger and Corbin Wiggins. Honorary pallbearers were Lamar and Ione Little, Gary Hodges, Employees of Southern Tech during Mr. Otis’ training and Sowega Camping friends.

Mr. Otis was born January 9, 1932, in Memphis, TN, the youngest of seven children, to the late Jarrell and Carrie Worley Smith. Otis was a proud Marine, entering the service in 1949, and retired from active duty in 1969. He completed thirty years of service in reserves in August 1979. Otis served in the Enlisted ranks and as an Officer. He was in boot camp at Paris Island, SC, and was stationed in Hawaii and served at various duty stations. Otis was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and was commissioned as a Warrant Officer while in Vietnam. Upon Mr. Otis’ completion of his military service, he was employed at Swainsboro Technical College now Southeastern Technical College for 26 years, where he was an instructor in Automobile Technology. Mr. Otis’ work led many students to careers in Automobile technology. He was cited for making several contributions to the program during his 26 years of service. The program was one of the first in the state to utilize individualized instruction as a method of training auto mechanics. Mr. Otis also worked to secure certification of the program by the automobile service excellence organization. He encouraged students to participate in factory sponsored competitions for troubleshooting, diagnosis and repair of automobile systems. Mr. Otis enjoyed camping, traveling in the RV, and spending time with his camping family, The Sowega Campers. He was an avid fisherman, loved woodworking, and maintaining his yard. He loved watching old westerns and football games. Otis was happy when he was watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved being with family and friends. Mr. Otis taught Sunday School at various churches and was always faithful to be in church and help where needed. He was a member of Nunez Baptist Church and enjoyed listening to southern gospel music. Mr. Smith is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean Scott Smith; three sisters; three brothers; and stepson, Jeffery Bell.

Survivors include his wife, Nell B. Smith of Swainsboro; sons, Byron Smith, Sr. of Adrian and Paul I. Bell (Jane) of Swainsboro; daughter, Roxanne B. Wimberly (Chuck) of Swainsboro; grandchildren, Kelley Smith Patch (Rion), Kaitlyn Smith, Weston Bell, Madison Wimberly, Sydney Bell and Brianna Wimberly; great-granddaughter, Aella Bloom Patch; and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Nunez Baptist Church, P.O. Box 96, Nunez, GA 30448 or Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Rd, Vidalia, GA 30474

Durden Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.