Alexander Smith

Alexander Blake Smith of Carrollton, Georgia—known simply as Blake to everyone who ever shared a laugh with him—was taken from us far too soon on April 16, 2026, following a tragic car accident.

At 34 years old, Blake was a man of immense warmth and a spirit that was simply too big to keep to himself.

A proud graduate of Bremen High School, Blake carried that Blue Devil spirit with him into the next chapter of his life when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Whether he was in uniform or out, Blake was a master of the “found family.” He had a rare gift for turning a five-minute conversation into a lifelong bond, and to him, if you were in his orbit, you were family—period.

Aside from his country and his community, Blake’s heart belonged to Georgia Tech. As the Yellow Jackets’ biggest fan, he lived for Saturdays in the fall. He knew “The Good Word,” wore the White and Gold with pride, and never met a UGA fan he couldn’t charm (or playfully pester).

His greatest pride and the absolute light of his life was his daughter, Sara Elizabeth Strickland. He also leaves behind his loving girlfriend and partner-in-adventure, Candice Bierley, who shared in his laughter and his heart.

Blake’s legacy of kindness, service, and laughter will be carried on by his parents, Christina Smith of Indianapolis, Indiana and PJ Willerson of Cedartown, Georgia; his grandparents, Cathy Smith of Cedartown and Larry Kohl of Bremen, Georgia; and his formidable “squad” of aunts: Wyndi Perry, Dana Avery, Dena Akery, Nicole Smith, Kristi Kohl, and Robyn Ward.

He is also survived by a small army of cousins and a vast network of friends and fellow Marines who were his brothers and sisters in every way that counts.

Waiting for him on the other side—and probably giving him a hard time for showing up so early—are his great-grandmothers, Betty Brumit and Christine Smith both of Cedartown; his grandmother, Joan Kohl of Bremen; and his grandfather, Bob Smith of Cedartown. He’s likely already found a way to make them shake their heads and smile, just like he did for all of us.

While our world got a lot quieter this week, we know that wherever Blake is, the party has just started. He will be dearly missed by many.

Arrangements will be announced in the coming days. 

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted in the services for Mr. Alexander Blake Smith.