Celebrating the life of
Patricia Martin Smith
May 29, 1925 - November 09, 2020
Patricia Martin Smith, 95, the Matriarch of Red Gate Farms, died November 9, 2020.
Patty was born in Savannah, Georgia in 1925. Six years later in 1931, her parents , Mamie Smith Martin & Harry Edward (Ed) Martin, Jr. bought 440 acres of land off of Highway 17 and thus Red Gate Farms Jersey Cattle Dairy Farm was born.
Patty was next to the oldest of the four Martin children, who preceded her in death. They were Harriet Martin Whittemore (John), Nelle Martin Stewart, and Harry Edward Martin 111. They were all members of Hull Memorial Presbyterian Church. Patty and Dickie Smith, the love of her life, were married at that same church.
Patty and her late husband, Richard (Dickie) C. Smith, Jr. of 44 years, owned and operated Pa-Ki Floor covering and Pa-Ki Landscape, Florist, & Garden Center, in Savannah. In 1988, the Smith’s built a horse barn at Red Gate and then Red Gate Stables became their new entrepreneurial adventure. Along with the horse boarding, came English riding lessons, quarter horse racing, and exciting horse shows. They also partnered with the Chatham County Recreation Dept & Director Jim Golden to provide horseback riding lessons for the Special Olympics Program.
Patty always loved flowers and gardening. She was famous to her family for always wrapping birthday presents in white tissue paper and tying a rose, out of her garden, on the present with narrow curling ribbon. She loved the YMCA and enjoyed exercise and dance classes well into her 70’s. When she built her dream house at Red Gate at the age of 67, she purposely built a two-story house because she wanted a good reason to exercise up and down the steps every day! And she did until age 90!!! That should be an inspiration to us all!! Although she wasn’t a “big” smoker or drinker, she would NEVER turn down a martini or a cigarette!!! Evidently it did no harm!!! She lived to be 95!!!
Patty and Dickie had three children: daughter, Laura Smith Mackey (Fred) of Savannah, son, Richard (Ricky) C. Smith 111 (Diane) of Tybee Island, and deceased son, John (Johnny) David Smith (Laura) of Savannah.
In addition to Patty’s children, she leaves behind 10 grandchildren: Tonya Arkwood, Trey Mackey, Natasha McBride, Stephanie Jones, Nicole Brist, Dorie Clark, Sylvia Smith, JD Smith, Richard Smith, and Margaret Smith. She was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren, and 13 nieces and nephews.
My brother, Ricky and I, would like to thank all of the wonderful care that our beautiful Mother, Patty, received while living at Azalealand Nursing Home for the past 5 years. The entire staff is to be commended for all of their love and dedication that they give to their residents on a daily basis. The staff has been under extreme stress during the past 8 months, while dealing with the Pandemic. They each have their own crown in Heaven waiting for them. Thanks so much to each of you!!!
Ricky and I would also like to express our appreciation to our mother’s sitters during the past five years. They loved and cared for our Mom like they would have cared for their own mothers. For that, we will forever be grateful. They are DeeDee Myers, Suzy Roberts, Dolores King, Corinthia Jones, and Betty Seay.
A graveside service will be held at Bonaventure Cemetery, Thursday, 2pm, and then a “CELEBRATION of PATTY’S LIFE” at her Red Gate Home, afterwards.
Her sweet smile and kindness will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Laura and Ricky and family just know that Miss Patty was a gracious lady and lived a long wonderful life and her legacy shows in all her family members that will have her wonderful memories forever. She will be missed by so many. All Our Love Tommy and June.
- Tommy and June McDermott, Rincon, Ga
Laura, Nicole and families, we share in the joy of the life of your precious mom and grandma and in the grief of her loss. All the beautiful memories you have stored in your hearts will sustain you through this very difficult time. No matter how old, we are never ready to say good bye. Love you all.
- Michael and Carolyn Jennelle, Savannah, GA
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. My loved her dearly. She will be dearly missed!
- Nancy Daley Mersereau, Savannah, Georgia
Laura, Ricky and Family, We are so sorry to read about your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jackie, Charlie and sons
- Jackie and Charlie Brown, Tybee Island/Metter, Georgia
So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the whole family.
- Diane Rousakis Biggs, Savannah, GA
I was named after Patricia (Patty) and will always consider that to be an honor and privilege. I also knew her lovely mother. The family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Patricia Smith
- Patricia (Patty) Smith, Savannah, GA31419
Laura, Ricky and Family, We are so sorry to hear about your mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.
- Larry & Lynn Palmer, Savannah, Ga
Patty, we loved you so much and all of your Martin family. Our thoughts are with you, Laura.
- Anne Bidez, Savannah, GA
Laura and Ricky, I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She was always so full of life. Our family have always loved your family and treasured the friendships.
- Vicky Bidez Lyda, Hendersonville, NC
May the Lord continue to spread his loving arms around of You and give peace in knowing your Mom is in his Care!
- Beverly Johnson , Savannah , Georgia
Laura and Ricky, Oh how I adored your sweet, beautiful mother. I can hear her southern and graceful voice. She was a first class southern treasure! I’m thankful for having such a strong, kind role model in my life at such an early impressionable age. My parents had many grand times with Aunt Patty and Uncle Dickie! Take care and treasure the love she gave you all! Love you all so much! Ellen
- Ellen Martin Marbut, Atlanta , Ga
Laura , Ricky and family. I am so sorry to hear of your Moms passing. She was a true Southern Belle, and will be truly missed.
- Janet Kearney, Savannah, Georgia
My deepest condolences. Patty will be missed terribly. She was such sweet lady. She was always kind and welcoming to me. My she find eternal rest and peace. Blessings to you all.
- Judith Kessler, Savannah, Ga
Laura, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
- David W Turner, Barnwell, SC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Graveside Service
- 2:00 pm on Thu, November 12, 2020
- Bonaventure Cemetery
-
330 Bonaventure Road (map)
Savannah GA 31404 - 912-651-6843
