Elmer Lee Smith, 81, of Dawsonville, died July 16, 2013.

Born Sept. 24, 1931, in Gainesville to the late Hubert and Mae Smith, he had lived in Dawson County since 2005, having moved from Forsyth County.

Mr. Smith retired as maintenance supervisor for Tyson Foods after more than 30 years of service.

He was also employed several years at Georgia Broiler. Elmer enjoyed many hobbies including gardening, beekeeping, making wine, growing walnuts, raising yard chickens, the Atlanta Braves, western movies, fishing and riding his golf cart through the neighborhood.

His sons, Gerald Smith, Terry Smith; and brothers, Dilmus "Shorty" Smith, Edwin "Babe" Smith and Calvin Smith, preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife, Kathryn Reagan Smith of Dawsonville; children, Shirley and Donald Miller of Clermont, Shelia and Roger Henderson of Cumming, Anthony and Doris Smith, Lee Ann and John Frix, all of Dawsonville; sisters and brother-in-law, Frances Sosebee of Cumming, Maerell and Glen Garrett of Oakwood, Sandra Young of Gainesville; brother and sisters-in-law, Earl and Joann Smith of Gainesville, Leclare Smith of Flowery Branch; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. July 19, at Juno Baptist Church with the remains placed in state at 1 p.m. with the Revs. Tommy Weldy, Dennis Bottoms, Jimmy Martin and Danny Ray Martin officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to assist with final expenses.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.