News Summary
The local community of Augusta is mourning the passing of Peggy Oris Boatright Smith at the age of 91. Known for her deep family ties and community service, Peggy dedicated her life to caring for others, making a long-lasting impression on everyone who knew her. A graveside service is planned for friends and family to honor her memory, celebrating a life filled with love and commitment.
Augusta, Georgia – The local community is mourning the loss of Peggy Oris Boatright Smith, who passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the age of 91. Her contributions to the community and dedication to her family have left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
Peggy was born and raised in Twin City, Emanuel County, Georgia, where she was directly descended from six Patriots who fought in the American Revolution. This legacy of service and commitment to family would shape her character throughout her life. In the early 1950s, her family moved to Augusta, where she would spend much of her remaining years.
In Augusta, Peggy met her husband, David Phillip Smith. The couple married and celebrated 65 years of marriage together before his passing. Throughout her life, Peggy was committed to her family and her work. She contributed to her community in various roles, starting with her employment at Belk Department Store during the 1950s and 1960s. In the late 1960s and through the 1970s, she opened a children’s daycare facility in her home, providing care and support to local families.
Later in her career, Peggy worked at Shepherd Blood Center, where she ultimately retired. She was also a long-time member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, finding community and fellowship within its walls.
Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Caleb Bruce Boatright and Elma Flanders Boatright, as well as her sister, Betty Joyce Boatright, her husband, David Phillip Smith, and her daughter, Dianne Patricia Smith. Despite these losses, she is survived by her sons, David Smith Jr. (Martha) of Union, SC, and Steven Smith (Pat) of Nashville, TN. Additionally, she leaves behind numerous grandchildren, including Philip Smith of Augusta, Daniel Smith of Nashville, TN, Kathryn Smith and Joseph Smith of Union, SC, Kevin James of Colbert, GA, and Jeremy James of Abbeville, SC.
A graveside service is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at Hillcrest Memorial Park. This service will be an opportunity for family and friends to gather and pay their respects to a beloved mother, grandmother, and community member. The family will receive friends on the evening of Tuesday, July 8, from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son, located at 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907.
Peggy Oris Boatright Smith’s life was marked by strong family ties and dedicated service to her community. Her legacy will be felt for years to come, as the lives she touched continue to remember her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Peggy Oris Boatright Smith Obituary
- Google Search: Peggy Oris Boatright Smith
- Thomas Poteet: Sallyanne Barrow Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Legacy: Diane Salley Obituary
- Google News: Augusta Georgia Obituaries
- Thomas Poteet: Kenneth “Ken” Maxwell Obituary
- Google Scholar: Community Service
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
