Milton Elroy 'Red' Smith

Milton Elroy Smith, age 91, a lifelong resident of Dalton, Georgia, left his earthly body on January 15, 2026, following a brief illness.

Lovingly known as “Red,” Milton was married to his sweetheart, Stella “Pat” Smith, for 52 years.

Red was active throughout his life and devoted his time to many pursuits, including serving as a volunteer fireman, participating in motocross enduro racing, deer hunting, metal detecting, raising a garden, and serving in the Masons. He enjoyed reading, history, and vividly telling stories and jokes. He also greatly appreciated a good home-cooked meal, prepared by his wife almost every day of their marriage. Red worked hard for many years and rose from meager beginnings to owning a business, while still being invested in the pursuits of his children and grandchildren. Post retirement he spent his time teetering around town, reading even more, and watching NASCAR and the Braves. Spunky until the very end, no one is likely to forget him.

He is survived by his daughter, Gail Scott and her husband, Dan, of Greenville, South Carolina, and his son, Adam Smith and wife, Tanya Joines Smith, of Dalton, Georgia. He is also survived by his grandchildren Jordan Pickens, Harrison Scott, Callie Smith, and Maria “Mia” Smith.

Additional survivors include his niece Kimberly Carr of Hixson, Tennessee; nephew Kendall Harkins and wife Donna of Rocky Face, Georgia; and cousins Mary Ellen Parsons and Glenn Bromblett, both of Chatsworth, Georgia.

We wish to extend a special thank you to his loving care givers who served our family well until the very end: Marilyn Calhoun, Tammy Givens, Lalaine Lara, Ashley Love, Gaye McKenzie, Odajah Mitchell, Ana Perez, Victor Romero, Shelena Washington, Chris Barrett, and Seferino Lopez.

Mr. Smith will be interred next to his beloved and near his parents and sister in West Hill Cemetery.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with Mr. Smith's family on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. at Love Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to them that they may then use to bless the caregivers with a gift.

Condolences and messages of sympathy for Mr. Smith's family may be expressed through Love Funeral Home's online guestbook.