Gypsy Lane Smith, 81 of Gainesville, Georgia (formerly of Covington, Georgia), passed away on February 12, 2022 at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.
Gypsy is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Sockwell Smith. He is also survived by his niece, who he loved and thought of as his daughter, Melissa Sockwell Bollinger (Tim) of Clermont, Georgia; his great nephews (grandsons), Kade Bollinger (McKenzie), and Ethan Bollinger, also of Clermont, Georgia. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Phil Smith (Regina), Becky Chapman and Bonnie Smith, great nieces and nephews, Ross Smith (Becky), Wes Smith, Matthew Chapman (Caroline), and Kelley Ann Chapman (Vini Bessa) along with many relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Smith and Lamar Smith.
Gypsy was born on October 13, 1940, in Porterdale, Georgia, to the late Calvin Smith and Ruby Jewell Lane Smith. He was a graduate of Newton County High School where he played basketball and was Vice President of the Class of 1959. Gypsy was a veteran of the United States Army where he served during the Vietnam War as a Tank Commander. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Georgia where he served as Elder and sang in the choir.
Gypsy began working with Western Electric in January of 1960 and retired in 1995 as a project manager. After retirement, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. For the last 10 years, he has worked part time at the North Hall Community Center where he made many friends.
Gypsy was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of The Scottish Rite and a Shriner. He had also served as an officer in the Elks Lodge. He was a lifelong University of Georgia Bulldog fan and attended many games through the years as a season ticket holder including a game while on his honeymoon!
Funeral services for Gypsy will be held at 2 o’clock Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at the Chapel of J.C. Harwell and Son Funeral Home with Reverend Burnetta Armour, Reverend Roe Callaway, and Reverend Ben Garrison officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Wednesday prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to one of the following places; First Presbyterian Church of Cleveland, 147 N. Main Street, Cleveland, GA 30528, Shrines Children’s Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, or American Heart Association, National Center, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231.
Gov. Brian Kemp has lifted the restrictions for large gatherings and other recommendations throughout Georgia. However, we ask that you still be respectful of the family and others during this time. If you are sick, not feeling well, or have any symptoms of COVID-19, please do not attend the service or services. If you feel the need to wear a mask, please do so.
