Nicholson - Roy Neal Smith of Nicholson, age 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at home after an extended illness. He was a father and example to his family, dedicated to his Lord through service, and active community volunteer.He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Beulah T. Smith; sons, Greg N. Smith and wife, Jennie, of Nicholson; Gary D. Smith and wife, Liza, of Nicholson; Glenn B. Smith and wife, Terri, of Macon; daughters, Gloria Agnew and husband, David, of Savannah; Greta Ivey and husband, Terry, of Commerce; and Gina Cavender and husband, Keith, of Franklin, TN; six grandsons and five granddaughters. He is also survived by a brother, Hoyt R. Smith, of Nicholson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gail K. Smith, and parents, Oscar and Emma Smith, of Nicholson.He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and served in the Antioch United Methodist Church as lay leader, Trustee, and in numerous leadership and service roles.Mr. Smith was a lifelong resident of Jackson County, born December 2, 1921, growing up in the Cabin Creek area, and later raising his family in the Antioch Community near Nicholson. He was a 1940 graduate of Benton High School.Mr. Smith was a distinguished veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army Air Corps. He was Missing in Action for over 4 months after his B-29 was shot down behind enemy lines in the Pacific Theater. He and his crew walked 1300 miles across China to safety.Mr. Smith was active in his community. He served as a member of the Jackson County School Board from 1962-1972. He was a leader in the Benton Elementary School PTA, and Commerce High School Band Parents Association. He was a long time volunteer with the American Heart Association.Mr. Smith retired in 1984 from the US Postal Service where he served as a Rural Letter Carrier for 33 years. He was an active leader in the Georgia Rural Letter Carriers Association where he served as District President. He was honored in 1976 as the Outstanding Carrier in Georgia.The family will receive friends at Little-Ward Funeral Home in Commerce on Thursday, May 20, 2004, from 6 to 8 p.m.Funeral services will be held at Antioch United Methodist Church in Nicholson at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2004 with the Rev. Richard Cathy and Rev. Bob Bone officiating. Interment will follow on the Church grounds.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Antioch United Methodist Church Building Fund or the American Heart Association.Little-Ward Funeral Home Commerce, GA.Please sign our Obituary Guest Book at www.onlineathens.com.Athens Banner-Herald, Wednesday, May 19, 2004