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Hershel Smith, Jr., son of the late Hershel Smith, Sr. and Ruby Turner Smith, was born November 24, 1948 in Greene County, Georgia. He was the oldest of three children. Following the death of his mother, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, the late Charlie and Chloe Abney Turner in Union Point, Georgia. Hershel entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama in Columbus, Georgia.
Hershel received his education in the public schools of Greene County, Georgia and graduated from Floyd T. Corry High School in 1967. He received his Associate degree from Herzing University.
Hershel was united in Holy Matrimony to Christine Cash Smith in 1970. To this union, they were blessed with one child.
Hershel was a master maintenance mechanic who could fix anything. He was so knowledgeable about his craft that he could diagnose the problem and make the repair without always relying on the manual which left his coworkers amazed and asking, “How did you do that?”. He worked for several companies and in 2021 retired from TreeHouse Foods-Naturally Fresh in College Park, Georgia. In his spare time he enjoyed playing golf and bowling.
At an early age, Hershel joined Harmonia Baptist Church in Maxeys, Georgia. He loved his family and friends and they loved him. He had a smile that would light up a room and a genuine giving spirit.
Hershel leaves to mourn his passing his former wife, Christine Cash Smith, one daughter YaSonda Smith McKinney (Chris); one son Derek Thompson (Alicia); one sister Barbara Ann Smith; one brother Joseph Smith; two cousins raised with him Charles Turner (Cynthia) and Janice Turner Taylor (Derrick); one Aunt Phyllis Turner Williamson; two granddaughters Alexis Nicole McKinney and Peyton Thompson and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were entrusted to Georgia Cremation in Columbus, Georgia.
Ronnetta Simpson says
This I a absolutely beautiful! “Hur-shall” as I lovingly called him will be missed. Everyone that knew him, knew how much he loved his Yaya “a true Girl Dad. I know he was pleased with every loving detail you put into his care. Job well done my friend! Praying for all of your all to have comfort and peace that only God can give knowing you all gavs him the best you had. Sending you warm objects, my deepest love, and condolences you all. I love y’all!!
Yvonne Lewis-Artis says
To the family of my departed friend Hershel. I pray God will give each one comfort knowing he is at peace & strength to carry you through this time of loss. Remembering his smiles. Sending prayers & love to all. Yvonne Lewis-Artis & sons
Norman Scott says
Rest in peace cuz. You will be missed.
HAZEL HALL says
Hershel and I met in High school we enjoyed the time we spent together we took our first Cruze together with my daughter and her friend he cared about life having fun and working i will miss him but now you are in a better place no more pain. Rest in Peace..ILOVE YOU!!
David Pearson says
I was blessed with knowing Hershel since 1998. We worked together at 3 different companies. When I would change companies, he would come with me. He had the ability to fix everything. Mostly we were friends and shared a lot of time together. Golf was big for the both of us. We enjoyed playing together even though we were not very good at it. I guess we were average golfers. His smile was one of the things I liked best about him. No matter what I was going through in life, just being with him made me feel better. I truly loved him. I am grateful that I got to be his friend.
Yvonne Carpenter says
To my always caring and sharing friend who kept me laughing at your jokes I will cherish the memories rest in peace ❤️
Tomi Wilson says
I will miss you, Her-shell.
Undra Wiggins says
So sorry for the loss of my dear friend Hershel.
Chantaye Robinson-Jones says
Ya, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for peace and comfort. I believe GOD will help you through this difficult time. I love you dearly.
Margo Cash and family says
The hardest working man I ever known.. with the biggest heart..I was sooo happy to see you about a month ago at Travis funeral.. and we talked as if we were not at a funeral…the small details you remembered… you will be missed.. rest easy…. Cookie Man… Uncle Hershel… LOVE YOU, YA AND AUNT CHRIS
Julius W Erving says
Dear Cousin May God receive you and keep you comforted forever. Thanks for touching my life with. humor and sincerity. Thanks for making the world a better place. And thanks for always bringing the light to the dinner the golf game or the party. Rest In Peace .
Janet Little says
To my dear friend/brother who loved living life to the fullest, good food, golf, and his heart Yasonda. We shared his pain and joys of his like since 1996. He will always have a place in my ❤️.
May God keep his family wrapped in His arms🙏
KEISHA SHAW says
A great person to know, great colleague and yes a talented maintenance technician.
Arturo Rodriguez says
My deepest condolences for Hershel, he will be missed. He was an outstanding person and coworker in TreeHouse Foods.
Larry West says
My condolences to the family. It was a gift to have worked with such a knowledgeable and good man. He was missed when he retired from Treehouse Foods and will never be forgotten.
Joey says
Gonna miss my friend. May the Lord receive his soul.❤️❤️❤️
Sandra & Doug Collins says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
And may your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
AARON HOLLINS says
going to miss you my old friend rest in peace hopefully there’s golf courses in heaven for you to play on
Byron and Deborah Stoutamire says
We’re going to miss your kind spirit,loving heart and wild stories. Rest in Heaven our old friend.
Daniel Jumper Newsome says
Deepest condolences for the loss of Hershel. I learned many things from him as he was always willing to teach and share his knowledge. A true master of his craft and wonderful person.
Jacqueline Spivey says
My deepest condolence for your loss of your love one.
May God grant you love and peace at this time.
Kesha says
Get your rest Uncle Herschal! So glad I got to meet and you! You was indeed always smiling.., Get your rest my sweet Uncle Herschal
Melinda Usher says
My deepest sympathy to the family his daughter granddaughter and son-n-law whom he loved immensely. Hershel was such a good guy he loved playing golf, he was so witty and slick with his jokes. 🤣OMG this guy was truly a GOOD DUDE! REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. MAY GOD GRANT COMFORT AND PEACE TO HIS GRANDDAUGHTER AND DAUGHTER🙏💕