Gwinnett Daily Post

Loving father and husband, Shawn Robert Smith, stepped from this world to his heavenly home on Thursday, February 2, at age 44 to see Jesus face-to-face. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Martinez Smith, and their two children, Morgan and Hunter. He also leaves behind his parents, Stockton “Skipper” and Judy Smith; his brother and sister-in-law, Rusty and Lisa Smith, with their children Scott and Joy; and his sister and brother-in-law, Brandon and Heather Loveridge, with their children Carson, Blake, and Darcy. Valerie’s parents, Tony and Josephine Martinez, along with her siblings, Lloyd and Rose Martinez and family, and Robert Martinez and family, all from Colorado, will also feel this loss. As a Sunday school teacher for eleven years at Hebron Baptist Church, Shawn stood each Sunday with passion as he led and encouraged young couples to make a difference for Christ. In his life, Shawn did exactly that. Whether at work with Genentech, where he was a division manager, coaching his son’s baseball team, or working as a school board member for Hebron Christian Academy, Shawn was a reflection of his Lord and strived for excellence. He coached baseball teams to championships and just won the top national sales award for his company. Shawn loved fishing, baseball, and politics. But most of all, he loved God and his family. Friends, family, and co-workers will remember him for his compassionate heart, his serving spirit, and his passion for life. Shawn leaves a Godly legacy for all to follow. Heaven is rejoicing at the homecoming of one of its own, while those left behind are full of bittersweet sorrow. The world was a better place for Shawn’s place in it. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a trust fund for the family. You can make donations at Suntrust Bank at 792 Dacula Road, or mailed to: Suntrust Bank, P.O. Box 27572, Richmond, VA 23261. Please make checks payable to the Shawn Smith Family Fund. Reference account # 1000149005356 Funeral arrangements will be announced later. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service 770-963-2411 Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.wagesfuneralhome.com, Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, LLC, “A Family Company”, Lawrenceville Chapel 770-963-2411 has been entrusted with the arrangements.