AMERICUS — Jody Carl Smith, age 25, of 299 Howard Johnson Road, Americus, died Dec. 8, 2016, at Navicent Health in Macon. A native of McRae, he was a longtime resident of Americus and called Americus home. He was born June 28, 1991, the son of Sharron Stone Johnson and Johnny O. Smith. Jody attended Lakeview Baptist Church. He received his POST Certification from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Following his certification he was employed at the following agencies: Telfair County Sheriff’s Office, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office, Wheeler County Sheriff’s Office, Alamo Police Department, Lumber City Police Department, and Glenwood Police Department. He was currently employed at the Georgia Southwestern State University Campus Police and the Plains Police Department. Jody truly loved his family: his mama, daddy, stepdad, siblings, nieces and nephews; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and his fiancée, Sarah. He loved golfing and watching the Braves, and spending quality time with the bros. To know him was to love him. Jody had a heart of gold and sparkling blue eyes that lit up a room. He loved everyone and was a best friend to all.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016, at Georgia Southwestern State University’s Storm Dome with Pastor Bryan Bentley and Brother Bud Womack officiating. Burial will follow at Howard Johnson Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers include Ryan Johnson, Brandon Powell, Jett Coptsias, Josh Roberts, Matt McKenzie, Nick Pitts, William Tatum, Chris Gaddy, Matt Wilson, Doc Belflowers, Sam Young, Dane Padgett, and Tyler Daniel. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Georgia Sheriff’s Boy’s Ranch, 5671 Ga. Highway 122 East, Hahira GA  31632.

Survivors include his mother and her husband, Sharron and Paul Johnson of Americus; his father, Johnny O. Smith of McRae; three sisters, Jessica Smith Scott of Americus, Joni Smith (Justin Hilliard) of Savannah, and Jenna Smith of McRae; one stepsister, Rhyan McDonald (Hunter Spires); two stepbrothers, Spence Johnson (Misty) of Perry, and Matt Johnson (Tracey) of Ellaville; and a fiancé, Sarah Kathryn Smarr of Lake Blackshear. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, C.O. Smith, Vauneta Smith, Douglas Stone and Janice Ray McDonald, as well as his best friend Nick “Smalls” Smarr.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.