Donald Joseph NeSmith, 83, of Athens, Georgia, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2019. A memorial service will be held Friday, January 3, 2020 at 3 p.m. at the Bernstein Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Buddy NeSmith officiating. Visitation will be from 2-3 p.m., prior to the service. Graveside services will be held Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 3 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Cochran.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Mr. NeSmith was a son of the late Leon NeSmith and Dorothy Greenwood NeSmith. He attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Michigan State University in East Lansing. He worked at Vanderbilt University and in Student Affairs at UGA. Mr. NeSmith was a member of the Gridiron Secret Society, Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and the UGA Touchdown Club.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Vicki NeSmith of Athens; children, Steven Michael NeSmith of Yuma, Arizona and Lara Clark (Rob) of Acworth, Georgia; two grandchildren, Caitlin Clark and Madison Clark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association—Georgia Chapter, 41 Perimeter Center East, Suite 550, Atlanta, GA 30346 or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society—Georgia Chapter, 950 East Paces Ferry Road, Suite 820, Atlanta, GA 30326.

Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens and Mathis Funeral Home in Cochran are in charge of arrangements.