Grant Lamar Smith, age 76, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2015, at his home. Grant was born November 24, 1938, in Moulton to Grady and Maurine Smith. He graduated from Lawrence County High School in 1956, where fond memories of donning his “00” jersey and quarterbacking for the Moulton Red Devils were made. Following graduation, Grant married his high school sweetheart and wife of 58 years, Sara Jane (Brackin) Smith. Grant then went on to attend Auburn University, then named Alabama Polytechnic Institute, where he graduated from the School of Architecture with a degree in Interior Design in 1961.
Grant began his career in Interior Design with Rich’s of Atlanta. Later he joined 3M Company of St. Paul, MN in the field of Commercial Graphic Sales. Working with 3M led Grant to initiate his own business of Commercial Graphic Design and Application. He traveled and served clients throughout the entire United States. This was Grant’s passion. He reluctantly retired only a few years prior to his passing.
Grant enjoyed traveling, canoeing, camping and working outdoors on his farm. He loved art and architecture, and was quite the historian on the Civil War and World War(s) I and II. Grant was an avid reader and loved to share his collection of architecture, design, and history books with family and friends. Grant was always helpful and supportive to anyone in need and was a mentor to others in his field. He will be remembered by his family as a self-made man who worked harder and longer than anyone, possessing the knowledge and ability to do anything, and never giving up or in until the very end.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Brackin Smith; daughters, Charlotte Smith (David Cayce) and Sylvia Smith Thomas (Dan Thomas); grandson, Rylan Yacko; step-grandchildren, Jessica, Haley, and Matt Thomas; sister, Sylvia Newsom (Ron Newsom); and nephews, uncles and cousins.
Grant will be cremated per his wishes, with an interment and private memorial service for family and friends at a later date. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to Auburn University Foundation (Architecture, Design and Construction) @develop.auburn.edu.
Arrangements were made through Jackson Memory Funeral Home, Inc. Town Creek. To sign the on-line register book, go to www.jacksonmemoryfuneralhomeinc.com.
