Ed Smith

Mr. Frank Edwin “Ed” Smith, age 95, of Vidalia, Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2026, at Community Hospice House following an extended illness. Coach Smith was born on February 25, 1931, in Bulloch County, Georgia, to the late Virgie and Emory Smith. He was one of four children and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Shirley Rowse Smith; his sisters, Marguerite Pye and Nell Mock; and his brother, Marvin Smith.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Coach Smith was a member of First Baptist Church of Vidalia for 69 years, where he served as a deacon and was an active member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. He spoke often about the importance of sharing the gospel and living a life that honored God. 

Coach Smith graduated from Screven County High School in 1949. He earned a scholarship to play football at Clemson University. After learning that he would not be allowed to pursue both football and baseball, he made the decision to continue his athletic career at Georgia Southern University. He played baseball for two years before being drafted into the Army.  He served in the Korean Conflict from 1953-1955 and returned to Georgia Southern University where he earned an Education Degree.

On September 20, 1953, he married the love of his life, Shirley Rowse. Together they began their family before moving to Vidalia in 1957, where Coach Smith became the first Recreation Director for the City of Vidalia. His career spanned nearly four decades, retiring in 1994. In honor of his dedication and lasting impact, the city named the recreation complex “The Ed Smith Complex.”

Throughout his career, Coach Smith received numerous honors for his commitment to recreation, civic organizations and the community. Under his leadership, The Vidalia Recreation Department was recognized as the First District Agency of the Year multiple times and was named First District Professional of the Year. His influence reached countless young people, and he took great pride in mentoring and shaping the lives of boys and girls throughout Vidalia.

He was inducted into the Screven County High School Hall of Fame in 1991, and also inducted into the Vidalia High School Hall of Fame in 2024.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and hunting. Going to the lake and river with his sons and grandchildren was a highlight of his life. Coach Smith is survived by his children: Frank Smith (daughter in law Lisa Mixon), Phyllis James (and late husband Bill James), and Hugh Smith (Selina), all of Vidalia.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Eric Smith, Hunter James (Maggie), Mark Smith (Alexis), Wendi Cason (Miles), Carson Smith (Ansley) and Lydia Smith. 

His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Chance Smith, Kenley Smith, Greyson Smith, JoAlbie James, Banks Cason, Barnes Cason, Emrie Carson Smith, Ellisyn James, and Taylor Hutcheson; and great-great-grandchild, Reid Hart.

Coach Smith will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.

His life was marked by service, faith, and a deep love for his family and community. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday afternoon, April 19th, 2026, at 3:30 at Vidalia First Baptist Church with Reverend Tracy Todd officiating.

The family will receive friends at the church on Sunday afternoon from 2:00 until just prior to the service.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Fellowship Sunday School Class.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Vidalia First Baptist Church, PO Box 631, Vidalia, GA 30475, or to the Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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