Wendell "Gator" NeeSmith

Mr. Wendell “Gator” NeeSmith, age 72, of Gray’s Landing Community, died Friday, February 23, 2024, at Memorial Health Meadows Hospital as a result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. He was a lifelong resident of Toombs County and retired from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters in Brunswick. He loved fishing in the river, being a treasure hunter, riding his Harley Davidson across the country and was a member of the Toombs Stone Brothers. Gator was preceded in death by his parents, J.H. and Avis NeeSmith, and siblings, Norman NeeSmith, Katherine Burkett, Debbie NeeSmith, Sue Ellen Rosier, Roy Glisson, Trenton NeeSmith, Quinton NeeSmith, Felton NeeSmith, Daniel NeeSmith, and Hilary NeeSmith.

Wendell is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Kay Ellington of Gray’s Landing Community; two daughters, Melanie Wilkinson and husband Craig of Brunswick, and Shelley NeeSmith of Kibbee Community; an honorary daughter, Samantha Miller of Baxley; three grandsons, Lawton McLain, Gavin Jackson, and Cullen Jackson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6:00 until 8:00.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, February 27th at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Wilkes Funeral Home with Pastor Billy Bratton officiating. Burial will follow in the Smyrna Church Cemetery.

The pallbearers are Marty Burkett, Chris Burkett, Justin Burkett, Mike Smith, David Burkett, and Brett Thompson.

The honorary pallbearers are Arnie Calhoun, Teddy and Helen Lawrence, Bill and Carol Roberts, Tony and Sherry Ogletree, Gray’s Landing Community, Chuck and Trenetta Crosby, Randall Boyd, Dana Franklin, “Hoss”, Monica Bacon, Randy and Tammy Wilkes, Denton and Susan Brantley, and the Toombs Stone Brothers.

Wilkes Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of the arrangements.

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