Celebrating the life of
William Sonny Smith, Jr.
July 27, 1936 - February 16, 2011
William H. "Sonny" Smith , Jr.
Longtime Savannah businessman William H. "Sonny" Smith, Jr., age 74, died Wednesday, Feb. 16 at Memorial University Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer. Mr. Smith was retired president of his family's business, Smith Service Oil Co. and Allen Oil Co.
He was a 1954 graduate of Savannah High School and attended Southern Tech before joining the family business. He was a former member of the Georgia Oilmen's Association and the Amoco Oil Company Advisory Board.
At the time of his death Mr. Smith was a member of the board of directors of SunTrust Bank, the Exchange Club of Savannah and the Jenkins Boys Club. He was current treasurer of the Exchange Club's Coastal Empire Fair Board, former president, vice president and secretary of the Fair Board and former president and vice president of the Boys Club. He was a member and former president of the board of the Savannah Golf Club. He also was a former member of the board of Savannah Christian Preparatory School.
He was a lifelong member of Bull Street Baptist Church where he served as deacon, former church treasurer and member of the Ralph Thomas Sunday School Class. He served the church's television ministry for 35 years and was currently director.
He was preceded in death by his parents, W. Hughes Smith, Sr. and Margaret Chapman Smith. Surviving are his wife, Jane S. Smith; his son, William H. "Trey" Smith III Barbara; his daughter, Karen S. Daring Rickey; five grandchildren, Wills Smith, Stanford Smith, Ashleigh D. Wells Christopher, Catherine M. Daring and Rickey A. Daring; a sister, Sybil A. Moore Charlie and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel.
Service: 11 a.m. Friday at Bull Street Baptist Church with burial at Hillcrest Abbey East.
Remembrances: Bull Street Baptist Church.
Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Islands Chapel
Jane and family, so sorry to read about Sonny. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Jimmy Tillman, Savannah, GA
Dear Jane, Trey, and Karen, I offer my condolences.
- Joe Adams, New Orleans, LA
Our condolences from the J.Parker Limited Staff.
- Jimmy Parker, Savannah, GA
Jane and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of a loving husband, father and grangfather who loved all of you dearly. We grieve along with you and hope that you find comfort and peace that we will see him again. We love you. Chris and Amy Matthews
- Chris and Amy Matthews, Rincon, GA
Jane, Trey, Karen and Families, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that Sonny is in a better place. Janice, Gene and Kenny
- Gene & Janice Autry, Thomasville, GA
Jane and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sonny was a special person and will be missed by all of us who knew him.
- Mary R. Franklin, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Jane,Trey and Karen, Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and all the family on the passing of Sonny.He fought a good battle and is now receiving his award with God.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Jane and family, I was so sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. After reading the obituary it put a smile on my face, as it resembled a great man and a great life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all...... With Love, ~ Michelle
- Michelle Hahn Arsenault, Ludowici, GA
My heart goes out to all of you. I will always have fond memories of playing in the saturday morning game with Sonny. I always enjoyed his company and proud to have served on the board with him at the club. It's very hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful man.
- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Savannah, GA
Though Sonny and I were not in contact among the 350 members of the SHS class or '54, we engaged starting with little league football. My activity in the Golf Club presented more opportunity to become friends and respect for him. The loss to his family is great as well as to the community.
- StenleyHarris,Jr., Savannah, GA
Jane and family, so sorry to read about Sonny. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
- Jimmy Tillman, Savannah, GA
Dear Jane, Trey, and Karen, I offer my condolences.
- Joe Adams, New Orleans, LA
Our condolences from the J.Parker Limited Staff.
- Jimmy Parker, Savannah, GA
Jane and Family, We are so sorry to hear about the passing of a loving husband, father and grangfather who loved all of you dearly. We grieve along with you and hope that you find comfort and peace that we will see him again. We love you. Chris and Amy Matthews
- Chris and Amy Matthews, Rincon, GA
Jane, Trey, Karen and Families, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know that Sonny is in a better place. Janice, Gene and Kenny
- Gene & Janice Autry, Thomasville, GA
Jane and family - you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sonny was a special person and will be missed by all of us who knew him.
- Mary R. Franklin, Lawrenceville, GA
Dear Jane,Trey and Karen, Please accept our deepest sympathy to you and all the family on the passing of Sonny.He fought a good battle and is now receiving his award with God.You will be in our prayers.
- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA
Jane and family, I was so sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. After reading the obituary it put a smile on my face, as it resembled a great man and a great life. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all...... With Love, ~ Michelle
- Michelle Hahn Arsenault, Ludowici, GA
My heart goes out to all of you. I will always have fond memories of playing in the saturday morning game with Sonny. I always enjoyed his company and proud to have served on the board with him at the club. It's very hard to say goodbye to such a wonderful man.
- Jeff Fitzpatrick, Savannah, GA
Though Sonny and I were not in contact among the 350 members of the SHS class or '54, we engaged starting with little league football. My activity in the Golf Club presented more opportunity to become friends and respect for him. The loss to his family is great as well as to the community.
- StenleyHarris,Jr., Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
