James Loyd “J. L.” Smith, age 75 of Cornelia, passed away Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. Born in Habersham County on April 10, 1939, he was the son of the late Henry Loyd Smith and Geneva Sue Weaver Smith. Mr. Smith was a retired Captain with the City of Cornelia Police Department, where he served Cornelia for a total of 28 years. He also served proudly in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mr. Smith was a member of Good News Baptist Church and enjoyed fishing and hunting, fish fry’s, camping, and spending time with his family, especially grandchildren. He was the former owner and operator of J. L. Smith’s Gas Repair Service and member of Grant Reeves VFW Post #7720 of Cornelia. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Wonetta Edge Smith; granddaughter, Erica Bellamy; sisters, Pauline Koeller and Linda Smith. Surviving are daughters, Ann Smith of Cornelia and Wanda Smith of Demorest; daughters and sons-in-law, Elaine & Windell Justice of Cornelia and Rita & Jamie Gainey of Myrtle Beach, SC; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren; sisters, Doris Blackburn of Cornelia, Betty Massey of Homer, Juanita Garrett of Hampton, and Glenda Dotson of Sandy Hook, MS. Funeral services are 4:00 pm Thursday, May 8, 2014, at the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & Stewart with Rev. Austin Kelley and Rev. Chris Walters officiating. Interment will follow in Good News Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Jody Garrison officiating and military and law enforcement honors provided. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 3-5 & 7-9 pm Wednesday. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.