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Rhett James Smathers, 64, of Decatur, GA died on Wednesday November 7, 2018 after complications associated with an automobile accident. Rhett was born on July 14, 1954 in Decatur, GA. He attended Briarcliff High School and graduated from Lakeside High School, both in Atlanta, as well as attended Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX) and Emory University (Atlanta).
Rhett had worked for the last 18 years at the Infinite Energy Center (part of the Gwinnett Center and formerly known as the Gwinnett Arena) as Director of Finance. He loved his job and considered his co-workers to be his work family. He was known for his very strong work ethic and took great pride in his work. Rhett enjoyed reading and had a collection of hundreds (maybe thousands) of books that he had built over the years. Another of his passions were his dogs. He developed a love of dogs and had several over the past 15 or so years. They were all rescue dogs, most of which were Dachsunds but did include Chihuahuas and others. Rhett will be sorely missed by his family, most but not all of whom reside in the Atlanta area. He always brought a relatively quiet demeanor with him, but was fun spirited with a dry, offbeat sense of humor. He embraced an early arrival at family functions but also developed a skill with the “Irish exit” when necessary!
Rhett is preceded in death by his parents Richard C. Smathers and Sara H. Smathers, and brother Richard Lee Smathers. He is survived by brothers Dan Smathers of Marietta, GA, Ray Smathers of Smyrna, GA (Beth Smathers), Ned Smathers of Atlanta, GA (Melissa Smathers); nieces and nephews Sara Torres of Acworth, GA (Stephen Torres), Lauren Hodges of Atlanta (Bryce Hodges), Christina Ruch of Westminster, CO (James Ruch), Weston Ford of Kitchener, Ontario (Rose McCarty) and Lee Smathers of Acworth, GA.
The family will be receiving friends at a reception to be held from 3p.m. to 5p.m. on Sunday December 2, 2018 at the home of Ned & Melissa Smathers in Atlanta, GA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to DREAM Dachsund Rescue Atlanta, or Fur Kids Animal Rescue & Shelters would be greatly appreciated. The family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation, Duluth, GA 678-584-0914. Messages of condolence may be shared at www.GeorgiaCremation.com.
cheryl ann gee says
Rhett was dearly loved by his Gwinnett family. i had the great pleasure of working with Rhett for the first ten of his 18 years there and remember him so fondly. i was very saddend by his passing yet smiled at remembering and celebrating his life, his love of his dogs ( he onced ask me about traveling to St George Island in a RV with his doggies- i think there may have been four at the time – because it had pet friendly beaches), his dry, offbeat, humor, his dedication at work. Rhett would not let any debts to Gwinnett go uncollected…. we would sometimes call him Red Rhett because his face would turn red when he was having trouble collecting an outstanding balance. my sincere condolences to his family; Rhett was a good man and will be missed by so many.
Kathy Estes DeLoach says
Ned Ray and Dan. I am so so sorry for your loss of Rhett. We had good times as kids