Espey Smith. Espey died on February 20, 2023. This is his Junior picture, the last school portrait available.
His obituary: Espey Andrew Smith, Jr., passed away Monday, February 20 th , 2023, after a brief hospital stay in Canton, Georgia. Surrounded by friends and family, he peacefully succumbed to pneumonia and the complications of long-term health issues. Espey was predeceased by parents Espey Smith, Sr. and Wilma Hardin Smith of Marietta and sister Nanelle Smith Perrmann. He is survived by his brother-in-law, Charles Perrmann and nephew Maurice Perrmann, along with aunts and cousins. Espey was born September 2, 1944 in Sandy Springs, Georgia. He grew up in Holly Springs, Fernandina Beach, Florida, and Canton. He attended Cherokee High School in Canton, GA and graduated from Sprayberry High School Marietta GA in 1965.
After graduation, Espey worked in sales at the Marietta Sears and Roebuck store. This started a long career in retail which culminated in the ownership of Smith-O'Brien Men's Clothier in Marietta and retired in 1999. He took considerable pride in his business and was committed to personalizing each customer's experience. A gifted salesman, he was a consummate people person. Always positive and upbeat, he engaged all who came to his store with a sense of importance. With good humor and a "homespun" take on everything from Georgia football to the best barbecue to politics, he provided a small comfort zone for his customers. All these traits endeared him to customers, friends, and family over the years.
After a long-time career and residence in Marietta and Acworth, Espey retired to a historic homestead in Talking Rock, Georgia. There, he set upon the restoration of his old railroad section house. He immersed himself in local history, politics, and activities. He served as both interim Mayor and City Councilman. Espey Smith lived his life with enthusiasm, appreciation, and a strong sense of the positive, and he knew the importance of embracing all these things in everyday life. It truly can be said that he did it his way. A Gathering of Friends will take place at the Talking Rock Park pavilion on May 7th, 2 - 4 p.m.
[Published in Marietta Daily Journal and by Darby Funeral Home in April, 2023]
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