Maurice Eugene Smith, Jr.

Maurice Eugene “Gene” Smith, Jr., 68, of Alma, Georgia 

December 31, 1956 – June 9, 2025

Maurice Eugene “Gene” Smith, Jr., a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend passed away on June 9, 2025 at the age of 68, surrounded by the love of his family. A man of strength, deep loyalty, and dry wit, Gene lived his life with purpose, humility, and an unwavering devotion to those he loved.

Born on December 31, 1956, in Waycross, Georgia, Gene brought light into the world and spent his life making every moment count. He possessed a sheer determination and inner strength that were unmistakable. When Gene set his mind to something, he did it and gave it his all.

His first job was coaching high school basketball and football, and he never stopped being a coach in spirit. Whether on the sidelines or around the dinner table, Gene taught by example, and his greatest joy was guiding and cheering on his children.

After coaching, he managed pecan orchards in south Georgia, where he deepened his love for the land and learned the value of patience and persistence. He later returned to school in Statesboro to earn his accounting degree. Gene built a long career as a small business consultant with a skilled understanding of the automotive industry, ultimately being honored as Georgia’s SBA Small Business Advocate of the Year, a reflection of the quiet but lasting impact he made on others.

Gene’s greatest legacy, however, was not in achievements, but in the life he built with and for his family. He was a devoted and present husband and father who made life feel like an adventure. He was the driver of Suburbans packed full of kids and friends, hauling everyone to sports tournaments, concerts, and game days across the Southeast. From Atlanta Braves baseball to University of Georgia and Georgia Southern football, he passed down a deep love for sports, tailgating, and the camaraderie that comes with it. His tailgates were legendary, often drawing crowds of 100, thanks to his music, his food, and his natural way of bringing people together.

He cherished travel, especially with his family. He believed in seeing the magic through his children’s eyes, from New York at Christmastime, to Disney and Universal trips, to concerts and live plays. He took his children to their first concert as a family of four—Jimmy Buffett—at the ages of three and four. He raised them on crooner classics, beach music, Motown, and classic soft rock, and thanks to him, it has left an everlasting impact.

He believed in well-rounded lives, and alongside his wife, taught his children how to enjoy a good meal, a great playlist, and a top-down Jeep ride with music blaring. Some of the best days started with the smell of freshly cut grass and Van Morrison drifting through the house, and ended with charcoal smoke and laughter on the deck.

He was a numbers guy and a history buff and was just as happy at home watching documentaries as he was building sandcastles with the kids or pulling them behind the boat on an innertube. He welcomed everyone into his life. His children’s friends were treated like family, and his message was always clear: the more, the merrier. He was the kind of dad who gave his children wings and worked his whole life to give them the freedom to fly.

Gene is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Margaret Futch Smith; his son, Patrick Smith, and his daughter, Katie Hawthorne (Thomas). He is also survived by his mother, Ruby T. Smith; his brothers, Keith Smith (Lori) and Adam Smith (Lori); his sister, Julie Taylor (Terry); his mother-in-law, Ruth Futch; sister-in-law, Marla Wiggins; and several cherished nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many cousins with whom he shared lifelong memories and a deep family bond that he often talked about, having been the oldest cousin on both sides of his family. His beloved dog, Sadie, will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Eugene Smith, Sr.; and his father-in-law, Billy Futch.

In keeping with his wishes, a private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends at a later date. Those who wish to honor Gene’s memory may consider a donation to a local animal rescue organization or a national group such as Best Friends Animal Society, reflecting his lifelong love of animals and the special bond he shared with Sadie. Or simply raise a glass, play a little beach music, and remember a man who gave his all to the people he loved and taught them how to do the same.

Low Country Cremation and Burial has the honor to serve the Smith family.