Anthony Donald Smith (Tony)

Anthony Donald Smith (Tony), 58, of Collins Ga was born June 1, 1967, to the late Donald B Smith and Linda Faye Dunn Collins. Tony retired from Roger's State Prison, Canning plant, where he worked for 29 years.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and Turkey Guide. He coined the screen name "Swampthang" on the Outdoor channel, Chasin' Beards and Bones. He made many friends and took some nationally recognized names on successful turkey hunts.

As an excellent marksman, He held the 6-time 1st place title in the National Association 1000-yard benchrest competition. He also held a grand slam turkey hunting record. He is best remembered for his vivacious personality and often loved to tell a good story, especially when it came to hunting. Above all,

He loved spending time with his grandchildren and was a master fingernail painter, tea party planner, bug and lizard catcher. He loved to spend days at the river fishing with his family.

He loved to cook, using his late mother's best recipes for canning fruits and vegetables and baking the most delicious pound cakes. He was a master fry cook, greeter and "company boss" at Cowart's Restaurant in Hagan.

Tony is proceeded in death by his father, Donald B Smith of Reidsville; mother, Linda Faye Collins (Gary)of Collins; father in law, Benton Bragg of Statesboro; grandfather, Hobb (Agnes) Smith of Reidsville and Clarice (Iris) Dunn of Reidsville; aunts Carolyn (Brian) Adams of Jesup and Betty (Arthur) Platt of Waycross; cousin, Richard L Platt of Waycross and Chip Dunn of Savannah; uncle, Genell Dunn of Reidsville and loyal companions "Jake" & "Bailey".

Surviving is his wife of 38 years, Melissa Smith of Collins; sons, Jordan Smith (Shayna) of Collins and AJ Smith, of Uvalda; daughter, Candace Bragg (Brandon) of Statesboro; mother-in-law, Juanita Bragg of Statesboro; sisters, LaDonna Cowart (Jimmy) of Pembroke, Jean Wiggins (Earl) of Baxley; grandchildren, Alex, Zena, Libby, Jenson, Ellie Shae, Kember, Cayden and Cameron; a special friend, Lucy and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12 noon at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the funeral service.

Interment will follow at Collins City Cemetery in Collins, Ga.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Cobbtown Chapel is in charge of arrangements.