Paul Ellis Smiley, Jr.

Paul Ellis Smiley, Jr.,67, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center in Savannah after an unexpected illness. He was born in Savannah to Paul Ellis Smiley, Sr. and Nancy Hankins Smiley on January 22, 1957, and lived in Effingham County for a number of years.

Paul was a truck driver, driving for over 40 years and was most recently employed by CB Sand in Guyton. Above all, Paul loved spending time with his family. Going to bluegrass festivals, and dancing while listening to some of his favorite bluegrass songs always brought joy to his life. 

He is survived by his long time significant other, Hope Cannon of Guyton; daughters, Paula Caraway (Donald) of Reidsville, and Skyla Lang of Guyton; sisters, Nancy Secrist (Wayne) and Teresa Averitt (David) both of Gainesville, Florida; brothers, Brian Smiley of Midway and Scott Grantham of Gainesville, Florida; grandchildren, Dalton Caraway of Reidsville, Camri Caraway of Reidsville, Demi Lang of Guyton, Braylyn Lane of Guyton and Waylon Lang of Guyton; great grandboys, Alexander, Rowan, and Camden Caraway all of Reidsville; and his little Chihuahua Man, Man.

Visitation will be held from 4-5pm on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Carlson & Riggs Funeral Home with a celebration of life to follow at 5pm in the chapel of the funeral home. The family suggest any remembrances be made in Pauls’ memory to Carlson & Riggs Funeral Home.