Sanford "S.J." Walter Smith, Jr.

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Sanford Walter Smith, Jr. “S.J.”

Born: August 4, 1944

Death: October 27, 2025

On Monday, October 27, 2025, “S.J.” Smith went to be with the Lord.

S.J. is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lee Bordeaux Smith, his father, Sanford Walter Smith, Sr.,  wife, Alice, sisters, Sadie Lee Smith (husband, Buford Tedder), Sally Lane Smith Toler (husband, James Toler), Essie Mae Smith Norris (husband, Billy Norris).

S.J. has three living siblings, Ellen Gray Smith Strickland (husband, John Strickland), Charles Herman Smith (wife, Beth Smith), and Garry Wayne Smith (wife, Marsha Smith). He also had numerous nieces and nephews including, Linda Norris, Robert Smith, Michael Toler, Billy Ray Norris, Diane Moore, Martha Norris, Pamela Smith, Tim Smith, John Strickland, Sheila Mote, Scott Strickland, Jonathan Smith, Mary Smith, Chris Jenkins, Jody Smith, and Kelly Smith Burgette.

S.J. worked for the Town of Garland, and served as a Commissioner for over forty years. As a Commissioner, he assisted town leaders with infrastructure projects for public works, roads, buildings, cemeteries, and other maintenance matters. During his last town meeting in 2020, S.J. was quoted as saying, “I appreciate being part of this town where I was born and raised. I also want to thank the residents, friends, and family that believed in me by voting for me to be a part of the decision making for the greater good of our beloved town.” S.J. made positive impressions in moving the town forward. He was a founding member of South River Hunting Club of Garland, where he served as President for over forty years.

Sanford Walter Smith, Jr. “S.J” will be missed.

A Graveside Service will be at 2:00 PM, Sunday, November 02, 2025, at the Garland Cemetery, 1030 Harrells Hwy., Garland, NC.