James "Mike" Smith

James Michael "Mike" Smith, 76, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Mike is survived by his devoted wife, Betty Ingram Smith; his son, Joe Smith (Liza) of Carrollton; his daughter, Fran Smith (Jennifer) of Charlotte; and his cherished grandchildren: Walker, Payne, Owen, and Parks. He is also survived by his brothers: Allen Smith (Sue) of LaGrange, Tim Smith of Hogansville, and Bobby Smith of LaGrange. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Susan Smith. Born on September 22, 1949, in Franklin, Georgia, Mike was the son of James Ozzie Smith and Dorothy Louise Pike Smith. He grew up in LaGrange, Georgia, where the foundations of his curiosity, kindness, and quiet strength first took root. A graduate of Georgia College in Milledgeville, Mike earned his degree in Health and Physical Education, but he was a lifelong learner with a broad range of interests. From studying theology at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary to embracing the digital age decades later by earning an A+ Microcomputer Specialist certification at Carroll Technical College, his curiosity knew no bounds. From Mike's time as Camp Director at Rockridge Baptist Assembly in Franklin to the years he spent teaching Health and PE and coaching football at Fairplay Middle School in Douglasville, his career unsurprisingly also reflected his versatility and adaptability. In 1984, Mike and Betty returned to Newnan, making the small town their permanent home and becoming members of Newnan First Baptist. Over the next three decades, Mike built a respected small business as the proprietor of Mike Smith Painting, earning a reputation for quality, reliability, and integrity. Mike was the kind of man who could fix anything, talk to anyone, and hold his own on virtually any subject - not out of ego, but because he was genuinely interested in the world and delighted in sharing his knowledge. Whether excitedly exploring his newest gadget or donning his headphones to savor one of the many records in his carefully curated collection, he also had the rare ability to consistently find joy in the little things. Above all, Mike had a gift for connecting with people. He had warmth and openness that made people feel at ease, and he carried himself with the quiet grace of a true gentleman. Even as dementia dimmed his spark in recent years, he remained unfailingly gracious and polite because those qualities weren't behaviors he performed; they were simply who he was. Curious, competent, and kind - Mike embodied true strength, and he was a steady light in a world that needs more men like him. He is deeply loved and will be deeply missed. A celebration of life will be held for Mike on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson Street, in Newnan, with Rev. LC Lane officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed online at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

James "Mike" Smith

September 22, 1949 - May 20, 2026