Mr. Hillard Anderson "H.A." Smith, 70, of Chatsworth, departed this life Saturday morning, May 16, 2009, at Redmond Regional Medical Center in Rome.

H.A. was born May 2, 1939, in Whitfield County, a son of the late Harmon and Clara Seay Smith. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Billy Smith and a sister, Virginia Sane.

H.A. loved to play the lottery, going fishing and working, but most of all he loved his family very deeply. He was employed at Beaulieu of America.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Elease Painter Smith of the residence; sons and daughter-in-law, Andy and Shelia Smith of Dalton, Michael Smith and Tim Smith both of Chatsworth; daughters and sons-in-law, Anna Smith of Chatsworth, Adrienne and Roy Stevens of Ringgold, Wendy Bevil of Chatsworth, Cindy and Morgan Riddle of Crandall, Crystal and Juan Reyes of Dalton, Venita and Kevin Brown of Eton; sisters, Edna Green of Chatsworth and Anita Quarles of Tunnel Hill; 16 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, co-workers and many friends.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Hillard Anderson "H.A." Smith are Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Melrose Chapel of Ponders Funeral Home with the Rev. Al Painter officiating. He will be laid to rest at the Antioch Cemetery with his close family serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 until 9 p.m. Monday.

Thoughts and memories may be shared with the Smith family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are by locally owned and operated Ponders Funeral Home, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, 706-226-4002.

Your Selected Independent Funeral Home.

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