Edward "Pea-Knocka"

Smith, Sr.

Mr. Edward Smith. Sr., was born on February 3, 1937, in The Rock, Upson County, GA, to the late Eddie & Annie Sue (Flewellen) Smith. He was the third of five children. As a child he was reared by his Grandparents, the late Pearl & Mary (Bush) Flewellen. Growing up he helped his grandparents on the farm. As he grew
up he became affectionately known as "Pea-Knocka", "Red" or "Knock". He attended Lamar County School System.

When he became an adult he worked as a Chef at a truck stop and later became an apprentice Brick Mason and learned the trade. Studied books on Masonry and learned how to read blue prints in building.

One day he met the love of his life Maudell Starr at a movie theater, they began to date. They joined in holy matrimony on March 28, 1959, and were married for sixty-four years. From this union ten children were born. Edward, Eddie, Edsel, Claudalle, Shelia, Sandra, Baby Smith, Ezra, Derrick, and Darius Smith. Edward worked in the construction Masonry Business for over 65 years, as Supertindent and Foreman over construction sites for E. C. Long and R. A. Griffith and various others in the Business. Edward was a Contractor and formed Smith's Construction; where he expanded his work throughout Georgia. He taught his children andothers the trade. He also builded throughout Northside Drive in Atlanta, GA, and built various Chevron, Shell, Magic Market, 7 Eleven gas stations all over the several counties of Georgia. Notable locations: Dekalb County Memorial Drive Jail. The Justice Center in Fayetteville, GA. He's known for local building of the brickwork on Wall and Hill Street; which was published in the Griffin Daily newspaper. Also, building the Belk's Plaza, and the Assembly of God Church in Griffin, GA. Later, as he continued to do what he enjoyed in Masonry work even as he aged into his mid to late 70s. A company "Better Built Buildings" would call upon him to do brick or block work on sites. Edward was a member of the Masonic as a Blue Lodge 33rd degree; which is a Master exhibiting knowledge, passion and sacrifice to his craft. This earned him the award as a way of honoring his outstanding Selfless work performed in the Rite or in public life. He enjoyed Farming, Gardening, Reading, Fishing, Hunting, plowing with his Tractor, DIY, watching TV. He didn't miss watching the News; but enjoyed his favorite Westerns, and Sanford & Son.

Edward changed his earthly garments to gain Heaven on Thursday afternoon September 21, 2023. Preceded him in death were (3) sons Eddie, Baby Smith, and Ezra; brothers, Lee Flewellen, Earnest Smith, and Luke Fuller, Jr. and only sister, Geraldine Montgomery.

He leaves to cherish his memory a loving wife of sixty-four dedicated years, Mrs. Maudell (Starr) Smith; s even children, Edward (Donna) Smith, Jr., of Griffin, GA; Edsel Smith of Milner, GA; Pastor Claudalle Smith and Shelia A. Smith; both of Morrow, GA; Sandra Smith of Griffin, GA; Pastor Derrick R.(Falisha) Smith of McDonough, GA; and Darius L. (Ariel) Smith of McDonough, GA, one Brother, Jimmy Smith of Sacramento, CA, Aunts, Mattie (Merrill) Smith, of Milner, GA and Christine Flewellen, of Jonesboro, GA. Sister-in-laws: Sarah O. Smith, of Columbus, OH; Effie Wilcox, of Locust Grove, GA. Special nieces, Claudia Harris, Phyllis White, Barbara (James) Fallings all of Milner, GA; Frankie (Michael) Cobia of Leland, NC; LaShun Arnold of Hampton, GA; Gaynell Smith of Columbus, OH; Nephews: DeLoach "Budd"(Mary Jane) Ponder, of Griffin, GA; Willie, Bobby, and Leonard Smith, of Columbus, OH. Grandchildren: Kesha Smith of Williamson, GA; DaShaundra Porter, of Snellville, GA; Jasmine Harp and Chelsea Wright, of Griffin, GA; Arianna (Edward) Chapman, of Baton Rouge, LA; Benjamin D. Smith, Levi E Smith, and Isaiah D. Smith, all of McDonough, GA. Great-grandchildren: Aiyanah Vandergriff and Adrick Walker, Jr., of Williamson, GA. A host of other Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, relatives and friends that will miss him dearly.

A Home Going Celebration will be held on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will lie in state 30 minutes before the hour of the service. Interment will follow in Greater Springhill Church Cemetery. Rev. Dr. A.C. O'Neal is the Eulogist.

"We Are Family Helping Family With Quality Affordable Services". Burden's Funeral Home, 1512 Williamson Road is in charge of arrangements. For more information please visit our website at www.burdensfuneralhome.net or call 678-603-1666.