Tommie Gene Smith, 78, of Dawsonville, died May 13, 2010.

Born Jan. 9, 1932 in Hall County to the late Eston and Beulah Smith, he had lived in Dawson County for a total of 36 years.

He was a graduate of Clermont High School and Truett McConnell College, after which he continued his studies at Mercer.

Tommie Gene enjoyed a career as a barber that lasted over 50 years. He formerly owned Beachwood Barber Shop in Athens, after which, along with his wife, owned and operated Dawsonville Barber Shop for 25 years.

Mr. Smith was ordained into the Baptist ministry in 1951 and had pastured numerous churches, including the First Baptist Church of Dawsonville, Trinity Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church, where he was also a member.

He carried a devoted love for his family and was an avid racing fan.

His sisters, Claressia Bonnette, Snowdell Cochran, Mae Chambers; and brother, D.C. Smith, also preceded him in death.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Ethel Elliott Smith of Dawsonville; brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Sarah Smith of Gainesville; various other relatives also survive.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. May 16 at Bearden Funeral Home Chapel with the Revs. Glenn Byrd and Steve Baker officiating. Interment followed in Alta Vista Cemetery.

Bearden Funeral Home of Dawsonville was in charge of the arrangements.