George Fentrice Smith

George Fentrice Smith, 48, went home to be with the Lord on January 19, 2018 after a faith-filled battled against brain cancer.  He was born on December 8, 1969 to Elerice Smith (deceased) and Merlene Deese Smith.  He leaves behind his wife Marcie, daughter Sarah, and son Matthew as well as siblings James (Mandy) Smith, Sr., and Arthur Smith and nieces and nephews Jennifer Edwards, James (Stephanie) Smith, Jr., Daniel Smith (deceased), Kayla Smith, Jack Lawrence, and William Lawrence. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Amanda (Jeff) Lawrence and Kimberly Smith and great nephews, Brycen Edwards, Evan Smith, and Asher Smith and great nieces, Vanessa Smith and Brynn Edwards.

George grew up in the Oceanway area of Jacksonville and Green Cove Springs, Florida.  He graduated from Clay High School in 1988 as a true Blue Devil and joined the 313^th Battalion C Company of the 82^nd Airborne Division of the United States Army. Based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina he was a part of the United States Invasion of Panama in 1989, the Persian Gulf War in 1990, and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.  In 1992, he left and returned home to Green Cove Springs to be closer to family and soon after met the love of his life, Marcie, of 27 years.  He had a passion for investments and graduated from the University of North Florida in 1997 with a degree in Finance.  After, he worked as a financial adviser for many investment firms but most recently for VyStar Credit Union, where he truly enjoyed going to work every day and being its biggest supporter.  

George’s passion was his family.  He spent countless hours with his wife, daughter and son, enjoying boating, hunting, and being together.  He loved classical music and the mission of Concert on the Green.  He was most proud to be a Charter Member of The Rotary Club of Fleming Island, where he held multiple board positions and was its President in 2012-2013.

He was a man of great integrity.  He was honest, genuine and a man of faith.  He was a member of Grace Anglican Church.  The family is thankful for all the love and support provided by our church family and friends throughout George’s illness.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Grace Anglican Church and designated for the children’s ministry.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, January 28, 2018 at Grace Anglican Church with The Rev. Michael McDonald officiating.  Inurnment services with military honors will be held at 10:30 am Monday, January 29, 2018 at Jacksonville National Cemetery.

The Smith family would like to thank you for joining us in celebrating George’s life.  We are thankful for George’s faith and how the Lord sustained him on his journey.  Our family is also grateful for God’s provision for medical care, spiritual and prayer support and the caring touch of our family, friends, neighbors and church family.  We praise God for giving us George and blessing us with such faithful friends and family.