Homer Eugene Smith, Jr.

Homer Eugene Smith, Jr., 86, of Rome, passed peacefully to his heavenly home on May 6, 2024 at a local healthcare facility in Rome, Georgia surrounded by loved ones.

Homer was born in Gordon County on May 24,1937 to Homer Woodrow Smith and Ethyl Lee Fortner Smith. Eldest of eight siblings, he was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters- Nellie Smith, Johnnie Will Smith - Sellers, Charlene Smith and Judy Smith - Nix all of Calhoun Ga., Joanne Smith of Helen, Ga. and one brother, James Wally Smith of Ellijay, Ga.

He is survived by his wife and companion, Ruthie Langston Terry of Rome, one brother, Martin Ray Smith and wife Patti of Woodstock, a daughter, Teri and her husband, Rick Cooper of Calhoun, one grandson, Jason Coker of Canton, two great grandchildren, Dylan Coker and his wife, Kaitlyn, and Mollie Coker, two great great grandchildren Axton and Cash Coker all of Adairsville,Ga.; sister in law, Evaline Smith of Ellijay, Jeremy Cooper and his wife, Kerri, Ethan and Bella of Calhoun, several nieces and nephews. Two step children, Melody Terry Noyes and her husband, Nick, Brent Terry and his wife, Angie, all of Cave Spring, six step grandchildren- Darrah Barker, Norah Noyes and Nashlyn Noyes all of Cave Spring. Dennah Barker of Melbourn, Fl, one step great grandchild, Scarlette Boyd and her father, James Bubba Boyd of Cave Spring, Lexi Terry of Conners, OK and Blaine Terry of Cave Spring, Ga.

Homer graduated from Calhoun High School and worked at several finance companies before retiring from Dixie Finance in Calhoun, Ga. Later he worked at Beaulieu Carpet Mill until retirement.

In Homer’s younger days he enjoyed golfing. weight lifting and playing baseball on local teams. He loved music and sang with several local bands, square dancing with The Western Promenaders in Rome, breakfast at the Southern Flavor Liar’s Table and traveling with his wife. Homer enjoyed telling jokes and playing card games with family and friends. He loved God and church and at one time taught a Sunday School Class at South Calhoun Baptist Church in Calhoun, Ga. . He later moved his membership to Rehoboth Baptist Church in Cave Spring, Ga. and sang with the choir. Homer would ride his two oldest step grandchildren in a double stroller and shout “Ah Ha “as they giggled and rode. Too young to talk, the girls quickly learned to tottle up and mimic the sound, “Ah Ha” to tell him they wanted to ride some more. The name stuck and Homer was affectionately known as “Ah Ha” to all his step grandchildren. The great grand has distorted that into “ HaHa” which also seemed appropriate for a fun loving man with a great sense of humor, generous love and endless tolerance for family, friends and people in general.

Visitation was held at the Rehoboth Baptist Church in Cave Spring at 1:30 pm prior to the funeral service at 2:30 pm on Monday, May 13, 2024 conducted by Rev. Dale Byars. Music was provided by Mrs. Pam Crider who performed - Build My Mansion Next to Jesus, one of Homer’s favorite songs and by Janice Duval, church organist. As a special tribute, his wife, Ruthie sang “I’ve Got A Mansion Just Over the Hilltop”. A powerpoint presentation of Homer’s life was compiled by his step-daughter, Melody Terry Noyes. Darrah Barker gave a brief tribute for her “AhHa”, Homer. He was buried at Rehoboth Community Cemetery on Hwy 411 west of Cave Spring, Ga.

John House’s Cave Spring Chapel conducted the service which was live streamed on the Rehoboth Baptist Church website. The following served as pallbearers- Jason Coker. Randy Coker, James Bubba Boyd, Casey Smith, Blaine Terry, and Brent Terry. Honorary pallbearers included Nick Noyes, Rick Cooper, Cameron Keith. Zack Keith, Devin Smith, Jamie Smith and deacons of Rehoboth Baptist Church.  

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