Athens, Georgia - Dr James Leon Smith, son of Dykes C. Smith and Hassie W. Smith, died on May 13, 2026.

Funeral Services will be Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife of almost 61 years, Linda Mealor Smith; two daughters, Lori Hodgson (Pat), Lisa Smith (John Dion); four grandchildren, Shannon Bryant (Cole), Megan Southwick (CJ), Jace Dion and Ansley Dion. He is also survived by 3 great-grandchildren, Thea, Cayden, and Owen.

He was one of twelve children, preceded in death by his parents, Dykes and Hassie Smith, and siblings, Daniel Eugene Smith, Dykes C. Smith, Jr, Dr Reuben Smith, Dr Darius Smith, Vera Mauldin, and Dois Rogers. He is survived by siblings, Dr. Amos Smith (Esther), Andrew Smith (Sandy), Jerry Smith (Terry), Ann Laura Smith, and Ruth Bailey. He has many nieces and nephews.

Leon was reared on a farm in a small town called Doerun, GA and attended Doerun High School. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated in 1966 with a chemistry degree; then went on to the Medical College of Georgia, graduating in 1970 with a doctorate of medicine. From 1970-1974, he completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology internship and residency in Greenville, SC. In 1974-1976, he served in the United States Air Force as a major, then went on to practice Obstetrics and Gynecology for 40 years in Athens, GA with Athens Women's Clinic.

In addition to being an avid fisherman and skillful gardener, Leon was a faithful servant of the Lord, a loving husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather; a respected physician, genuine healer, and a legend among the community of Athens, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

First United Methodist Church, 327 North Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30601 or St Jude's Cancer Center, https://www.stjude.org/donate.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com