Arnold Levon Smith

Arnold Levon Smith, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Blairsville, Georgia on April 14, 2025. Born on August 14, 1927, in Anderson, Alabama (Lauderdale County), Arnold was the eldest son of Herbert Eugene Smith and Mamie Leo Patterson Smith. He is predeceased by his wife Dorothy, his parents, his sister Doris Willese McConnell, his brother Donald Reid Smith, and two grandchildren Alex Smith and Katie Smith.

Arnold, known to many as Al, proudly served his country by joining the U.S. Navy in 1945. During his four years of service, he saw duty in the South Pacific, China, Korea, and India. He was part of the occupational forces in Japan at the end of World War II. Al served aboard the USS Alabama and USS Toledo among others.

On July 3, 1949, Arnold married the love of his life, Dorothy Lee Day, in Porterdale, GA (Newton County). He and Dorothy lived at Mount Rozell, Alabama briefly before moving back to Georgia in 1951. Together, they built a beautiful life in Covington, GA where they spent the majority of their 70 years together.

After his honorable discharge from the Navy, Al began working with Snapping Shoals EMC and remained for forty-two years, the last twenty-two years as Operations Manager. He retired in February of 1994. He was a deacon of High Point Baptist church for many years and a Mason. Al traveled around the US hunting and fishing. He made his last trip out west with Joey and Gay in May of 2023.

Al was a loving husband, father, and friend, always known for his unwavering dedication to his family. He is survived by his brother Harold Smith of Anderson, AL, his two sons, Mike Smith (Mary) of Covington, GA, and Joey Smith (Gay) of Young Harris, GA, his grandchildren: Rick Smith (Marsha), Robin Gilbert (Chad), Josh Smith, Travis Smith (Becka), Sarah McTyre (Macaulay Vanhoose), Hannah McTyre, great grandchildren: Brittany Smith (Mike Bessiere), Logan Gilbert (Bridget), Jesse Gilbert (Caysi), Chase Smith, Gentrie Mobley, Gannon Mobley, Briggs Smith, Allie Smith, great-great-grandchildren: Hunter Bessiere, Ellie Bessiere and Crew Smith. Several nieces and nephews also survive him.

Arnold’s legacy will live on through his family and the countless lives he touched.

A celebration of Arnold’s life will be held April 17, 2025 at the Chapel of Caldwell & Cowan, 1215 Access Road in Covington, GA, with Pastor Tommy Fountain officiating. Visitation starts at 12:00 (noon) with service beginning at 2:00. Interment will follow in Lawnwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warrior Project, honoring Arnold’s generous spirit.