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BORN
1953
DIED
2025
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George Smith Obituary
Reverend Dr. George E. Smith, affectionately known as 'Buck Knight', was born on December 5, 1953, in Whaleyville, Virginia. He was the cherished son of the late Junior and Mary Frances Smith. On July 15, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, he peacefully transitioned into eternal rest.
Dr. Smith was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and spiritual shepherd. He leaves behind a legacy grounded in faith, love, and service. Educated through Suffolk Public Schools, he pursued higher learning and graduated with honors from Andersonville Theological Seminary, earning his Doctor of Ministry degree. Before entering full-time ministry, he served honorably in the United States Army and later dedicated many years to Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, Virginia.
As the Senior Pastor of True Gospel Christian Church, Dr. Smith ministered with grace, strength, and unwavering conviction. His ministry was deeply personal, always alongside his beloved wife, First Lady Diane Smith. Beyond the pulpit, he was the Hunting Master of the Whaleyville Deer Hunting Club for over 40 years, finding joy in fellowship and the outdoors.
Dr. Smith is survived by his wife of 47 years, Diane Smith; his daughter, Tasha Smith of Suffolk, VA; his son, Reverend Jeron 'Bubba' Smith and his wife Katrina Smith of Virginia Beach, VA; and his sisters, Mary Johnson (Deacon Clifton), Peggy Ann Clark, and Dorothy Blackwell. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters-in-law, Florine Parker, Carolyn Harris, Elanda Thorpe, Denise Montgomery, and Vanessa Peele (Windell); brothers-in-law, Ernest Thorpe Jr. and Bernard Thorpe; and his grandchildren, Jaiya, Kaniya, Aniya, Aubrie, Kaia, Kaleb, and Elijah.
Predeceased by his parents and siblings, Dr. Smith's legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the faith he nurtured, and the love he gave so freely. Though we mourn his physical absence, we rejoice in knowing that he has received his crown of righteousness and rests now in the arms of the Lord he so faithfully served.
Memories and Condolences
for George Smith
Barbara Johnson
July 28, 2025
To First Lady Diane Smith & Family, I'm sorry for your loss. I remembered meeting you & your husband when your congregation met at the East Suffolk Community Center. Y'all were always friendly & nice to see, prayers & hugs.
Renee Perry
July 24, 2025
My condolences to the family
Lynn Lassiter
July 23, 2025
My sincere condolences to the Smith ,Hunter .
Lorraine Smith
July 23, 2025
I knew him for many many years when I used to go to rise of Saint James and as we grew older, he was a awesome, awesome, preacher and man of God rest in peace, my friend take your rest
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Latanya Brinkley
July 23, 2025
With deepest sympathy,
May God comfort you and give you strength in the days ahead. Your father was a powerful man of faith and a true servant of God. His legacy will continue to live on through the many lives he touched.
Keeping your family lifted in prayer.
With love,
Latanya Brinkley
Marvin&Valerie Franklin
July 22, 2025
My deepest condolences to sister Diane and family! Rev. Smith was such a wonderful and kind gentleman. As members of Mount Calvary Baptist Church we could always count on him to give encouraging words, display acts of kindness, and always have a big smile. We are thankful to have known Dr. Smith and pray for God to continue to comfort and bless his family! Trustee M. Franklin, Mount Calvary Baptist Church
Peggy and Carolyn Sessoms
July 22, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Our sincere condolences to the family.
Linda Beamon
July 22, 2025
My heart felt condolences, keep looking to God for strength. Sleep in Heaven, hugs Diane and family.
Dianne Paul Golden
July 22, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Dr. George and Diane are and were peoples you can depend on saints of God. I sends my heartfelt condolences to you and everyone my heart is broken as well but I know he is resting in the Lord.❤ Love You Diane
Patricia Young
July 21, 2025
To First Lady Diane sorry to hear of the lost of your husband. May God give you and your family added strength during this sad time.
Shelly knight
July 21, 2025
My condolences to the smith family sorry for your loss sending you all hugs Rev smith will be miss by many he have received his crown
Rev Melvin Powers
July 21, 2025
My prayer and condolences go out to you and your family. May God give you the strength and comfort you while you going through. He is ever present with you.
Sharon Johnson
July 21, 2025
Rest On Pastor Smith I'm going really miss your singing. I Love when u came out with a song every time
Brenda Montgomery
July 21, 2025
I'm truly going to miss my Pastor Rev.George Smith..A very humble man of.GOD..Take your rest Pastor..Work well done...My heartfelt condolences to First Lady Diane Smith and the entire family...You are in my thoughts and prayers
Marjorie (Margie) Andrews
July 21, 2025
My deepest condolences to Diane and the family. Although, he will be missed, we must bow to the will of God. The Ralph/Goodman family reunions will never been the same without him . George was a kind and humerous man who showed true love towards his family. May he rest in God's peace.
Arlene Butler
July 21, 2025
Praying For The Family.Sorry For Ur Loss.
Cassandra Mosley
July 20, 2025
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Diane and her family.
Ethel Knight Stevens
July 20, 2025
Prayers and condolences to Diane and the Family.Cherish the great memories.
Terell Montgomery
July 19, 2025
A truely loved man of God uncle "buck Knight" rest in heaven
Torrance Massenburg
July 18, 2025
Truly a man of God! He along with the First Lady of True Gospel helped me not only.to pray, but pray more abundantly. His wit an humor made our services more enjoyable. Pastor Smith will truly be missed.
Pastor D. Holley
July 18, 2025
Our prayers and condolences for the family in the passing of Pastor George E. Smith that God will comfort you in the time of your bereavement. May you find comfort in knowing that Jesus cares and that we are here for you. First Lady Diane Smith, we pray that God will strengthen you in the days ahead knowing that He has your best interests at heart.
Antoinette P. Holley
July 18, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dorothy Parker-Holliman
July 18, 2025
Will be sadly miss
Eld. Darnell & Earnestine Whitfield
July 18, 2025
Our condolences to First Lady Diane and family. We are sorry for your loss. We will continue to the family in our prayers.
Kimlonte Morris, Sr
July 18, 2025
May God’s comfort be with you during your time of bereavement.
Darnell L. Randall
July 18, 2025
Sorry to hear of the passing of your brother (Mary) Darnell
Lloyd Howell
July 17, 2025
To First Lady Diane and the Smith Family : I'm sorry to learn of the passing of Dr.Smith. I'm glad that I got to know of him and your family , as well as the church family. May GOD remember all of you and give you comfort and strength with HIS Love now during these hours and the days that lie ahead. I know my words alone can't fill the void that you feel , only GOD can , but , I hope that words and encouragement from friends and loved ones will help you reach your next chapter.
Ann Lassiter-Sanford
July 17, 2025
Condolences to the Smith family..keeping you all in prayer.
Mary and Curtis Williams
July 17, 2025
Sending my condolence to Diane and the family. Your husband will always hold a special place in my heart and my husband Curtis. He's at peace now.
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T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home - Suffolk405 Johnson Ave, Suffolk, VA 23434