Mr. Eugene Smith

Mr. Eugene Smith, 69, of Albany, died at his residence on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Kimbrell-Stern Funeral Directors, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m., and interment to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery. Pastor Michael Cherry will officiate. Born in Phenix City, Alabama, Eugene was the beloved son of the late Jesse James Smith and Janie Arthur Smith. He was a self-employed floor mechanic who took pride in his work and was known for his strong work ethic and willingness to help anyone in need. Eugene was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a faithful member of Hope City United. His faith was not just something he spoke about—it was something he lived daily. He never hesitated to stop what he was doing to pray for someone, believing deeply in the power of prayer and God’s love. His heart for people was evident in the way he cared for his family and those around him. A true lover of the outdoors, Eugene found joy in God’s creation. He was an avid hunter and spent countless hours in nature, where he felt closest to the Lord. When he wasn’t outdoors, he could often be found walking at the mall, greeting friends and strangers alike with his warm smile and kind spirit. Family time meant everything to him, and he cherished every moment spent with his loved ones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Leonard Smith and James Smith. He is survived by his son, Kevin Hester and his wife Lisa of Macon; his sister, Linda Wingate Schenk and her husband Jerry of Albany; his brothers, Jimmy Smith of Leesburg and Jesse James Smith Jr. of Albany; four grandchildren, Matthew Davis, Logan Canter, Kaelyn Hester, and Riley Hester; and one great-grandchild, Ryan Davis. He is also lovingly survived by nieces, nephews, and extended family members who meant the world to him, including: nephew Kieth Wingate and his children Savanna Wingate, Tyler Wingate, and Riley Wingate, and great-great niece Sadie Wingate; niece Tambi Wingate Williams and her family—Clint Williams (Emily) and their son Eidan, Chad Williams (Augusta) and their children Gates, Fields, Woods, and Rhodes, Chandler Williams Griffin (Chase) and her children Penelope, Cecilia, and McCoy, Chase Williams (Gracie), and Chambliss Williams; niece Jimmie Griffith (Clay), children Kylie Zabadah, Abbigail Zabadah, and Sawyer Zabadah; and niece Montana Smith Wienhoff and her children Devon Smith, Jayden Smith, and Jayla Holland. Eugene will be remembered as a man with a heart of gold—selfless, faithful, and always putting family first. His legacy of love, prayer, and devotion to God will live on through all who were blessed to know him. Those desiring please make donations to Hope City United, 1211 Stuart Ave., Albany, GA 31707 in honor of Mr. Eugene Smith.

Mr. Eugene Smith

November 13, 1956 - February 3, 2026