Laurence Edward Smith

Mr. Laurence Edward “Ed” Smith Mr. Ed Smith, 68 of Newnan, GA passed away Saturday September 6, 2008 at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC due to complications resulting from a heart transplant. He was born in Toccoa, GA on December 28, 1939 to the late Homer and Ruby Smith. After the death of his parents, he was raised by his Aunt and Uncle, the late Myrtie and Dean Hayes of Calhoun, GA. Ed started his dedication to service by becoming an Eagle Scout and serving in the United States Coast Guard. He was a graduate of Calhoun High School and the University of Georgia. He also attended the University of Georgia Law School. Surviving are his wife of forty six years, the former Myra Sherard; his two sons, Dean Edward, and his wife Janice of Newnan, GA; David Bryan and his wife Allison of Louisville, KY. ; his four grandchildren: Caitlin, Bronson, Bryan, and Ansley. Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church of Newnan, GA and he was a past member of the First Baptist Church of Marietta, GA where he served as deacon. Ed was also a member and past President of the Golden K Kiwanis Club of Newnan. Ed started his career with the Better Business Bureau in 1967. Ed served as President and CEO of the Atlanta Better Business Bureau from 1977 until his retirement in 2002. During his career with the Better Business Bureau, Ed served in various leadership positions within the national Council of Better Business Bureaus organization. He served on the Board of Directors for the Council of Better Business Bureaus in varying intervals beginning in 1984 and continuing until his retirement. Ed received the Meritorious Service Award from the Bureau Operations Committee of the Council of Better Business Bureaus for exceptional service in 1995. He was a member of the Better Business Bureau’s 25 Year Club and was inducted into the Better Business Bureau Hall of Fame in 2005. Throughout his life, Ed was active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Greater Atlanta from 1985 to 1994 and the Kiwanis Club of Atlanta. Other survivors are Ed’s Sister Doris Carter of Jasper, GA and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, September 12th at McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan, GA from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 13th at the First Baptist Church of Newnan, GA by Rev. Jimmy Patterson and Rev. L.C. Lane. Following the memorial service, burial will be at Westview Cemetery, Atlanta, GA. Ed enjoyed traveling, his grandchildren and University of Georgia Football. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the scholarship funds at the First Baptist Church of Newnan.

Laurence Edward Smith

December 28, 1939 - September 6, 2008