MR. JEFFREY DWAYNE “JEFF” NeSMITH, age 62, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at his residence.
MR. JEFFREY DWAYNE “JEFF” NeSMITH, age 62, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at his residence.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00AM Saturday, June 20, at Zion Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, with Rev. Myron Parkerson officiating.
Jeff was born on June 19, 1963, in Dublin, GA, to the late Peggy Grubbs Spires and Carlton Hugh “Don” NeSmith. He lived in Dublin up until he was twelve, when the family moved to Eastman. He was of the Baptist Faith and attended school both in Laurens County and later in Dodge County. After school, he worked at Milan Peanut Company before working as a cook at Buck’s Grill for several years. Jeff later worked at Roydenwear as a presser for a few years. During this time, his son, Jeffrey “Buddy” NeSmith, Jr., was born. Soon after the birth of his son, Jeff drove a semitruck for Earl NeSmith and B&H Trucking Company in Hazlehurst for over ten years, before retiring in 2000.
He enjoyed woodworking, watching TV, especially watching Atlanta Braves baseball, and loved listening to country and rock music. He was affectionately known as “Pop Jeff” to his beloved grandchildren.
Jeff was preceded in death by his mother and father, Peggy Grubbs Spires and Carlton Hugh “Don” NeSmith, son, Jeffrey Dwayne NeSmith, Jr. (Buddy), sister, Donna Sue NeSmith, brother, Charles Eugene “Gene” NeSmith, and former wife, Donna Kay Hutchinson NeSmith.
Jeff is survived by his Step-Children – Julia Ann “Julie” Leverette (Chris) of Gray and Josh Fowler (April) of Kathleen; Grandchildren – Aaliyah Giddens, Kayla Giddens, Okela Neesmith, Alex Giddens, Gabriella Fowler, Gracie Fowler, and Gabe Fowler; Great-Grandson – Reid Bagley; Sisters – Jenny McCardle (Mark) of Springfield, GA, Ginger Johnson (Wade) of Hawkinsville, and Ann NeSmith of East Dublin; Nieces and Nephew – Corrie NeSmith, Valerie Herndon (Jerry), Cindy Steinmann (Sean Courtenay), Lily Michelle McCardle, Sara Rose McCardle, and Joel NeSmith; Several great-nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends also survive.
The family will receive friends and family in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 9:30AM-10:30AM Saturday, June 20.
Locally owned and operated, Stokes-Southerland Funeral Home, has been "A Tradition of Trust" to Eastman, Dodge County and Middle Georgia for over 65 years.