Douglas Lawrence Smith

Douglas Lawrence Smith, 57, of Fortson, GA died peacefully in his sleep Friday, February 23, 2024 after enduring a struggle with brain cancer.

A celebration of life will be held 4:00PM Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Temple Israel with Rabbi Emerita Beth Schwartz officiating, 1617 Wildwood Ave. Columbus, GA 31906. The family will receive friends from 3:15 – 4:00PM at the Temple Israel, according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd Columbus, GA 31907.

Doug was born Sunday, April 17, 1966 to the late Louis Joseph Smith and Harriett Sally Greenberg Smith in Hartford, CT. Doug, a graduate of the Penn State Golf Course Turfgrass Management program, achieved certification by the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA) and was a member of both the national GCSAA as well as the Georgia GCSA on which he also served as a member of the board of directors. In Doug's words, "An old friend from Penn State told me about me a grow-in superintendent's position in Columbus, GA" and in 1993 Doug and his wife moved to Columbus where as Superintendent, he grew-in the Maple Ridge Golf Club to open on schedule October 1993. He later purchased the course from the W.C. Bradley Company with business partner and Clubhouse manager Mike Gill. Doug was a member of the Temple Israel congregation where he served as a Board of Trustee. His love of surfing, hiking, and photographing nature took him on many wonderful ventures. Doug loved a great sunrise and sunset, even if that required getting up before dawn while on vacation.

Survivors include his son, Jonathan Louis Smith of Columbus, GA; sister, Marla E. Smith Bove of Altamonte Springs; partner, Michelle Lunato of Columbus, GA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or the Jewish Ladies Aid Society, 1617 Wildwood Avenue, Columbus, GA, 31906.