George Raiford Smith Born June 29, 1935 Went to heaven to be with his Lord and Savior September 6, 2011, peacefully with his loving wife and children by his side. Visitation for Mr. Smith was held Thursday, September 8, 2011 from 6 PM to 8 PM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Services will be held Friday, September 9, 2011 at 2 PM at Canaan Baptist Church, Columbus, MS with Bro. P. J. Mortensen, Bro. Jack House and Bro. David Westmoreland officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, Pickens Co., AL with Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing. George was preceded in death by his parents, Mayfield and Azilee Smith and his brothers, Stanley, Jim, and Charles Smith and sister, Elaine Shirley. George is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Virginia Smith, Columbus, MS and his son, Scott D. (Ginger) Smith, Biloxi, MS; his daughter, Lisa (Greg) Weeks, Wemberley, TX; six grandchildren, J.J., Jordan and Jesse Weeks and Haleigh, Haller Grace and Scott D. Smith, Jr. George was an active member of Canaan Baptist Church, Columbus, MS where he served as a Deacon, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and served as Chairman of Vacation Bible School. He was a former member of First Free Will Baptist Church where he drove the church bus because of his love for the children. Among his favorite memories was their trip to Six Flags where George had more fun than the children. George had many great accomplishments during his life. A few of which really stood out. He was President of Fairview PTA which led the effort to install the first Air-Conditioners in schools. He was President of Caldwell Band Boosters, member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of Lowndes County Young Republicans where he served as the Chairman, member of the Jaycees where he served as President, Chairman of the Christmas Parade, Chairman of the Annual Go-Cart Race, Area Vice-President and National Director and ran for State President but lost by one vote. He was appointed by United States District Judge Keady to serve on the first federal Bi-Racial Committee for Lowndes County. His pride and joy was his grandchildren and he attended any event they participated in from T-Ball, Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, Softball and Football. No matter when or where he was there to root them on. Mississippi State was his home team where he loved football but his passion was for watching Basketball at "The Hump" where he attended as many games as he could. George's love for his family and for people kept him young and full of life. He will be greatly missed. Pallbearers are David Bull, Hank Ros, Stephen Simpson, Kenneth Montgomery, Robert Fortenberry, Joe Barnes, Ed Glascott and Truman Oswalt. Honorary pallbearers are Lance Busch, MD, Doyle F. Sumrall, MD, Troy Whitten, Charles Shelton, Elizabeth Spencer, Becky Fortenberry, Jimmie Nell Davis, Brad Braddock, The Hammers Baseball Organization, Lenn Weeks, Bryan Gaspard, MD, Jerry Sheppard, MD, Steve Kanter, Chris Ferrill and Nursing Staff of 4th Floor North, UMMC. Memorials may be made to Canaan Baptist Church, 1008 Lehmberg Rd., Columbus, MS 39702.