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George Preston Smith Sr. 85, of Tampa, Fla., passed away Sept. 18, 2020.

George was a proud son of God, husband, father, grandfather, pastor and friend to many. He loved serving the Lord, reading the Bible, and being in prayer on a daily basis. George spoke openly of the Lord and ensured those around him knew about Jesus and His love for us. He touched the lives of many people.

He was a long time member of Liberty Baptist Church in Suffolk. George worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard for many years. He was an avid sports fan and thoroughly enjoyed attending games. George attended Worsham School in Farmville, Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, and the College of William & Mary (Old Dominion University) in Norfolk.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Lura and Obern Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Eva Wright Smith; children, George Smith Jr., of Maryville, Tenn., Denise Griffith and her husband, Billy, of Seaford, Del., Andrea Potts and the late Patrick Potts, of Shelby, N.C., Christian Smith, of Maryville, Tenn., and Dana Smith and her husband, Brian Vinca, of Tampa, Fla. He was the Proud Papa to grandchildren Matthew Smith, Andrew Smith, Vincent Lusardi, Jacob Larimore, Taylor Larimore, Tyler Wilson, Ashton Henry and Benjamin Queener II. George is also survived by his brothers, Roy and Ralph Smith.

A celebration of life and service will be held in Farmville at a later date. A notification of the future date, time and location will be sent through newspapers, emails and the funeral home.