On September 1, 1930, during the height of the Great Depression, George A. Smith secured a
$1,000 loan and, together with his brother R.B. Smith, founded what would become George A.
Smith and Sons Funeral Home.

The business began in a home at 447 E. Baltimore Street before relocating to its longtime heritage location at 438 East Main Street.

In 1974, George expanded to better serve the community by opening the South Chapel, followed by the North Chapel in 1995. When the 1999 tornado destroyed the South Chapel, the firm’s commitment never wavered—the chapel was rebuilt and continues serving families to this day.

After their first year of college, George’s twin sons, Jack and Jerry Smith, joined their father in the business, officially renaming it George A. Smith and Sons.

Jerry’s son, Roger, later became part of the firm before starting his own insurance company, Thompson and Smith. Jack and Jerry worked faithfully alongside their father until his sudden passing in 1993.

Their mother, Elizabeth Robbins Smith—who served as both hostess and organist—remained a gracious presence in the business until her passing in 2016 at the age of 104.

Jack Smith passed away after a short illness in 2020, while Jerry, now 90, continues to play an active role with no plans to retire.

Today, the staff includes Jerry Smith, Travis Hunt, Heath Williams, D.J. Plunk, Tra Holland, Shane Robinson, Libby Marcom Smith, and Camille O’Neill.

For 95 years, George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home has been honored to walk alongside families in their times of need. As Jackson’s oldest funeral home, the firm remains dedicated to providing compassionate, professional care and looks forward to continuing its tradition of service for generations to come.

(PHOTO: top, George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 2812 North Highland Avenue; George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 1544 South Highland Avenue)