Edward Rudolph (Rudy) Smith, Jr

Mr. Edward Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, Jr., 81, died unexpectedly at Piedmont Hospital in Athens on June 29, 2023, after a brief illness.  He was a lifelong resident of Wilkes County, and attended Washington Wilkes High School.  Rudy was a farmer at heart.  He was known to many for his fifty-year career at the Wilkes County and Saluda, South Carolina stockyards.  Even after his retirement, he was a regular visitor at the sale barn. It was his home away from home.

He was a resident of the Echols Personal Care Home in Rayle, Ga.  The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Miss Ruby and staff for their care and compassion.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel Bradley Smith and Edward Rudolph Smith, Sr., and by his sister, Mary Elizabeth Smith Crowder.

He is survived by his brother, John Walter Smith (Nancy); his nephews, Michael Crowder, Justin Smith (Brandy), Jeremy Smith (Diana), Jason Smith, Jordan Smith, and niece, Anagail Smith.

The family will not have a service, but WILL receive friends on July 6, 2023, from 5:00-6:00pm at Hopkins Funeral Home in Washington.

Hopkins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Edward Rudolph “Rudy” Smith, Jr.