Mr. Donald “Duck” Claxton NeeSmith, age 73, of McRae-Helena, died Monday, October 19, 2020, in the Community Hospice House in Vidalia after a brief illness. He was a native of Cedar Crossing and was a 1964 graduate of Toombs Central School. He worked with Georgia State Prison, Coffee Correction Corporation of America and Wheeler Correction Corporation of America. While working with the prison system, Duck was present during the production of the movie, “The Longest Yard” in 1974. He appeared in the beginning of the movie escorting Burt Reynolds into the prison. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing and camping, and was Church of God by faith. He was preceded in death by a former wife Doris Dyal NeeSmith; parents Bennie NeeSmith and Beulah Claxton NeeSmith; and one step-daughter, Skye Britton.
Duck is survived by his wife Mary NeeSmith of McRae-Helena; two sons Tony NeeSmith and wife Tanya of Uvalda, and Ken Sheppard and wife Susie of Vidalia; one step-son Sean Isom and wife Becky of McRae-Helena; two step-daughters Somer Isom, and Starr Spires and husband Waylon all of McRae-Helena; one brother Ray NeeSmith and wife Faye of New Branch (formerly of Cedar Crossing); three grandchildren April NeeSmith Worth and husband Marshall of Vidalia, Wesley NeeSmith and wife Kayla of Perry, and Jenniffer Kell of Vidalia; and several great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday afternoon from 1:00 until just prior to the service.
A “Celebration of Life” service will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Smith Street Baptist Church in Vidalia with Reverend Earl Wiggins officiating.
Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.
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