Funeral for former Sheriff is set for Saturday

The funeral for former Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith is set for 12 o'clock Saturday at Lord and Stephens East on Lexington Road in Athens. Smith, who served three terms as sheriff in Oglethorpe County, died earlier this week at the age of 56.

David Gabriel, the former Athens-Clarke County Police Officer who defeated Smith in last November’s election, posted the following on his Facebook page:

“I am saddened by the passage of Retired Oglethorpe County Sheriff Mike Smith. I truly understand the stresses and difficulties of serving the citizens of Oglethorpe County like few others. He has left all of his troubles and burdens behind as he began his journey to his heavenly home. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Please keep his wife Gail, and his family in your prayers..”