Terry Alan Smith

Terry Alan Smith of Covington, Georgia and Peaks Island, Maine, died peacefully on February 9 surrounded by his family. He was born on March 29, 1946 at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL, the son and middle child of Dr. Edward Lee “Peaches” Smith and Effie Ruth “Suzy” Baccus Smith. He will be remembered as a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, a dedicated public servant, and a trusted friend to many.

Terry grew up in Covington, where he developed a love of fishing (and a notoriety for sneaking into private ponds) and of sports, earning fame as a gifted athlete. He was often spotted around town on his bike-- and without shoes. Terry is still remembered as a starring player on the basketball team that won the State Championship in 1964, the year of his graduation from Newton County High School. He was selected to play on the 1964 North All Star basketball team and earned honorable mention as an All-American. A talented baseball player, Terry was selected three times as an All-State Third Baseman. He received an athletic scholarship to the University of Tennessee, where he played baseball and basketball. After college graduation, Terry entered a four-year commitment to the United States Air Force and served in Viet Nam.

Terry’s unwavering dedication and indomitable work ethic allowed him to achieve success in athletics, his professional life, and his community leadership roles. He served on the Oxford City Council for 19 years and was a member of the Newton County Water and Sewerage Authority Board for over 20 years, serving as Chair from 2021 to 2025. As a council and board member, Terry made decisions based on deep research and thoughtful collaboration. He also served as a member of the Board of the Miracle League of Newton County and was Founding Chair of the Board of the Friends of Chimney Park in Covington. His greatest and most sustained devotion was to his wife, Kathie, his high school sweetheart and partner for over 60 years.

Terry continued to enjoy fishing throughout his lifetime and never tired in his pursuit of largemouth bass. In keeping with his competitive instincts, he could play a formidable hand of Bridge. Thursday nights in Maine would find Terry sitting around a card table with the guys, enjoying a friendly game of Pitch. In his later years, he became an avid bird watcher, taking daily trips around Peaks Island in hopes of seeing some unusual migrating shore or land bird. Over the years, he delighted as his “bird sighting list” grew. Another later-in-life interest was creating vibrant paintings, many of which grace the homes of friends and family. 

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Edward Lee Smith, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Katherine Hardy Smith; his daughters, Dr. Katherine Smith and her husband Robert Soens, and Susannah Smith and her husband Brian Krehmeyer; his four grandsons, Maddock Thomas, Hardy Krehmeyer, Kerns Krehmeyer, and Sutton Soens; his sister, Susan Smith Walden; and his sisters-in-law Dr. Susan Hardy Aiken and Jan Hardy Berning. 

A celebration honoring Terry will be held at Burge Club on March 29 (his 79th birthday) at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the McKelvey Lung Transplant Center at Emory University Hospital or to a charity of your choice.

Terry’s family wishes to thank Emory University Hospitals and Abbey Hospice for their expert and compassionate care.