Joseph "Pat" Smith, Jr.

Joseph Payton "Pat" Smith, Jr., was born April 16, 1942 in Toccoa, Stephens County, Georgia. After graduating in 1960 from Toccoa High School, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force and after serving four years, he joined the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta, Georgia working from Uniform Division then advancing to the Detective Division in various squads. He was a graduate of Georgia State University with an AA and BA in Criminal Justice. In 1972 he joined the Investigative Staff at District Attorney Office, Atlanta Judicial Circuit, Atlanta, GA where he served as Criminal Investigator and Intelligence Agent until his retirement in 1991. He was a graduate of the 133 ^rd FBI National Academy, Quantico, Virginia. He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard in the 190^th Military Police Company.

After his retirement he worked with the Secretary of State as a Regulatory Investigator in Atlanta, GA and Macon, GA. He attended the U.S. Secret Service Protective Operations Briefing to provide security during the 1996 Olympic Games in Georgia and served on protective details for multiple world leaders. Shortly after the Olympics, he decided to leave his position to enjoy retirement with his family.

Pat was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 105, Fayetteville, Georgia and a member of the 133 ^rd FBI National Academy. Angels cried on the morning of December 31, 2020 as this amazing man left his family and gained his wings. He was a dedicated loving husband of over 50 years, a wonderful father, and an incredible Papa.

Pat is survived by his wife, Ruth Smith; son, Patrick Smith; son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Natasha Smith; and his grandson, Ian; a brother, Tony Smith (Eva Nell), sister-in-law Ann Smith, and three sisters, Janice Shaft (Garland), Becky Paul (Robert), and Libby Grimland (Joe). He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Joseph Smith, Sr., and a brother, Mike Smith.

Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Thomas L. Scroggs Funeral Home, Morrow, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations may be made to Hebron Christian Academy Youth Lion Sports, 775 Dacula Road, Dacula, GA 30019 in memory of Pat Smith.