Marlin E. "Sonny" Smith

Rincon- Marlin E. "Sonny" Smith, 78, passed away on Thursday, August 24, 2017 surrounded by his loving wife and family.

"I was given the gift of life, and now I have to give it back. My faith helped me accept what I could not change… I am at peace."

He was born on April 22, 1939 in Statesboro, GA and raised in Port Wentworth, GA.

Sonny was a member of Bible Baptist Church of Savannah, GA; he joined the Georgia Army National Guard and served eighteen years in B Battery 2/214 FA, he was a member of the Third Degree Masons in the Landrum Lodge #48. In his early years he played drums with many local bands. He retired after forty-five years with Bowman Transportation and later P&L Transportation.

His greatest enjoyment was being involved with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"Funny Sonny" filled our lives with many unforgettable funny quirky words and moments. He loved fishing and always had a gigantic fish story. He was a huge fan of NASCAR/NHRA, he was greatly entertained with Fox News, and was an avid Atlanta Braves fan! Walmart sure has lost a loyal customer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Duncan and Melda Smith; brother, Jimmy Smith; and sister, Myrtice Thorton.

He leaves behind his loving wife of forty-five years, Sherry R. Smith; blessed to have daughters, Kathy Mills (Wesley), Julie Smith, Shellie Terrell (Rick), Marlette Waters, Lynette Cadle; his grandchildren, Jackie Williams, Joseph Williams (Angie), Celeste Wiggins (Wes), Celina Owens (Wade), Cindy Davis (Ryan), Leslie Hinson (Chris), Tony Mills (Stephanie). His greatest joy were the great-grandchildren, Dagan and Emorie Smith, Jackson, Jase and Jayden Williams, Bryce and Ryan Hinson, Reese Davis, Chance and Rylee Mills.

The funeral service will be held Monday, August 28, 2017 at 10:00 am in the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel with Pastor Steve Canfield officiating.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 27, 2017 from 4-6 pm in the Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Mobley and James Benton.

Pallbearers will by Jackie Williams, Joseph Williams, Wes Wiggins, Wade Owens, Jason Mobley, Tony Mills.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Masroor of Savannah Medical Specialists, Hospice of Savannah, all the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital, Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion.

Please sign our online guestbook at legacy.com

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.