Carl E. Smith, 94, of Atlanta, passed away on Monday, January 25, 2021, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Private memorial services will be held at Eminence Christian Church, rural Atlanta, with Pastor Henry Johnson officiating. Burial will be at Bethel Cemetery.
Carl Eugene Smith was born July 12, 1926, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the son of Lester W. and Neva M. Arnold Smith. Carl wed Mary Jane Short on January 2, 1953. Mary passed away on October 28, 2020.
Carl is survived by his children: Gregory (Sue) Smith, Carla (Marty) Bale, Elizabeth (Rick) Foster, Debra (Shayne Carroll) Ball, Michael (Judy Grooms) Smith, Tami (Rob) Tammeus, and Angelia (Ed) Harrison; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Wilbert Smith, and one sister, Twila Wojcik.
Carl enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 at the age of 17. He was an electrician in the Navy during WWII. He was a graduate of Iowa State and worked at Willow Farms in LaGrange, Ill. In 1950, he came to Atlanta as the manager of Willow Farms Dairy. Carl was one of several businessmen who decided to turn one of the dairy buildings into a bowling alley. He was Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation and became an avid bowler.
Carl worked at the Atlanta National Bank for over 50 years as Executive Vice President and Board Member. He was currently Vice President of the board.
Carl and his wife, Mary, started the Veterans flags program around the square in Atlanta. He designed and built a cart that is used to store and facilitate the placement of the flags, which now number over 350. Carl belonged to the Atlanta American Legion Post #341, Atlanta Rotary Club, and the Atlanta Masonic Lodge #165 A.F. & A.M. He was a member of Eminence Christian Church.
Carl's hobbies were gardening, woodworking, and restoring vintage cars.
Memorials may be made to the Eminence Christian Church or Atlanta Rescue Squad.
Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.
