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Mr. Donnie Lee Smith, age 63, of Fayetteville, passed away February 25, 2020.
Donnie was born in Atlanta on August 9, 1956 to the late Charles and Eunice Smith. He graduated from Walker High School in Dekalb County. Donnie went on to attend Georgia State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Public and Urban Affairs. During this time Donnie was working as a Security Guard at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where he met his coworker and future bride, Marla. The couple wed on September 30, 1979 and had one daughter and one son. The family lived in several cities in metro Atlanta, including the 10 years they spent in Forest Park, but ultimately made their home in Fayetteville for the last 23 years of Donnie’s life.
Donnie was a proud member of the police force in the city of Atlanta. He spent 30 years protecting Atlanta’s citizens as a police officer. Upon his retirement, Donnie became a Deputy for the Fayette County Sherriff’s Department where he spent many years as a patrolman and was a longtime Deputy in the Fayette County Courthouse. Donnie retired once more on January 6, 2020.
Donnie was a sweet and truly kind man who was loved by so many. He liked to have a good time and was outgoing and funny. He had an interest in history, particularly the Civil War and World War II. He collected coins and enjoyed traveling. He visited many countries and national parks with Marla, his favorite travel companion. His preferred vacation spots were Yellowstone National Park, Ireland and Cuba. Donnie and his wife were frequent cruisers who loved tropical vacations. Donnie was a devoted father who always made time for his children. He was incredibly proud of them both and was known to frequently brag about their accomplishments. Above all, Donnie was a beloved husband and father who will be dearly missed.
Along with his parents, Donnie was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Brown. He is survived by his wife of 40 years: Marla Smith of Fayetteville; daughter: Layla Smith of Griffin; son and daughter-in-law: Bo and Kelly Smith of Sharpsburg; brothers and sisters-in-law: Charles and Nancy Smith of Tallapoosa, Norman and Beth Smith of Conyers; many nieces and nephews; cherished baby basset hound: Cinder; beloved dogs: Elizabeth, Molly, Henry and Penelope.
An Irish Wake will be held in Donnie’s honor at 6:00 PM on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at Fayette County American Legion Post 105, located at 180 Glynn Street South, Fayetteville. In the spirit of the traditional Irish Wake, friends are invited to share memories and give toasts in Donnie’s honor. Irish Whisky and other refreshments will be provided. Guests are asked to dress casually in their favorite tie dye clothes, if possible. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share if able to do so. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Senior Houndsabound, the Police Athletic League, or Suncoast Yellow Ribbon (4710 39th Avenue North, St. Petersburg, FL 33714). The Smith family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, 1086 Hwy 54 West, Fayetteville. Messages of condolence may be left at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
Margaret O'Brien says
He had a wonderful family and an abundance of love.
Lee Crowe says
Thank you , Donnie, for being the perfect foil to my sister-from-another-mother Marla. We will miss your sweet smile and twinkling eyes.
Margaret Lewis says
i am so thankful to have been able to meet and know Donnie. He was always smiling and a joy to be around. I always admired the love affair he had with his beloved wife Marla. my prayers are with her and their family.
Melcena Dunn Woody says
I’m so sorry for your los of the love of your life Donnie. It sounds like a wonderful man. I am sending love and comfort your way.
Fred and Pat Heacock says
Our good friend, Donnie, We miss you. You were truely one of the good guys.
Kathy Callaway says
God bless all.
John Zimmer says
A fine man and a great officer.
Gregory Morris says
My first supervisor out of the Atlanta Police academy in zone 2 in 1993. He set the standard for what I wanted all my future supervisor to be like. A kind, compassionate professional! My condolences to the Smith family.
Dee Tibbetts says
What an amazing man and public servant. Holding you, Marla, and your kids close in my thoughts. Thank you for sharing those pictures; you can see the love, warmth and joy in Donnie’s eyes. I am so glad to know that you have such amazing love and so much to celebrate in his life.
Tony Whitmire says
I will miss my classmate from Atlanta Police Academy Recruit Class #87. We had not had the opportunity to visit or talk in the last several years and I regret that. He was always kind, considerate, and professional. We have lost a good man. Rest in peace, Brother.
Joe Carlan says
I new Donnie from Walker High School. He was a kind soul that you just enjoyed being around. Heaven is a lot more fun now see ya again one day Donnie
Cindy Davis says
Hugs for all the family. I will miss knowing he is there with you, Marla. There is a certain security which comes from knowing family is still around. I’m here for you and the kids and I’m thankful to know you are there for us as well. I’ll miss him teasing his little cousin. I love you, Marla.
David Stribling says
In 1998, he was my Sergeant when I came out of the Atlanta Police Academy. He was always smiling, even when he was “tearing me a new one”. He had such a way of molding young officers. Always claim, direct and funny! 😂 I will truly miss him! My condolences to the Smith family. Donnie was such a great man. RIP
Karen Armsby says
The Basset Hound Nation are singing the Blues!
MarciThomas says
Sending love to Marla and the entire family. Donnie will be sorely missed. We are all singing a mournful aarrrrrooooo.
Sgt. H. Hardy Sr. (APD) Ret. says
My deepest condolences, we worked for several years together in Zone Six. A wonderful coworker and friend. The tenacity that Donnie displayed is a true testament of his courage Till I see you again Patrolling heavenly Zone Six!!
Helen Moncrief says
My prayers are with Marla and her family during this difficult time. Donnie was a lovely man and I know he will be deeply missed.
Lisa Roey says
My condolences. I worked with Donnie. Goodman and friend. Atlanta Police. Rest in Peace.
Linda Stanley says
Our Prayers and Condolences go out to the Smith Family.We love this family have been our neighbors for over 20 something years Donnie you will truly be missed ❤️
Mike&Nancy Chennault says
Always a smile on his face and fun to be around. On behalf of the Chennault family we will be forever grateful for marrying our baby sister and being the best husband and father.
Tim Koby says
….Marla, Layla, and Bo….I am soooo sorry about your loss and Donnys passing…!!…. Y’all are a cool family and he was a GREAT dad and a GREAT GUY….he is ok cause good guys end up with THE GREAT GUY…and he would want you guys to be ok … I will try to be at the wake… if not I will drink one in his honor….Love u guys…Dr K