Sgt. Earnest Smith of the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office has passed away.
The beloved officer’s death has shaken friends and co-workers alike. Social media has been buzzing all day with friends and fellow officers writing tributes to Sgt. Smith. Broxton police chief Scott Harper had this to say about Smith: “He dedicated almost his entire adult life to serving the people of Coffee County. I worked with him for 20 years and never once heard anyone say a bad thing about him. He always had a smile on face. For years I have called him ‘Easy E.’ Every time I’d see him and call him that, he would smile big and chuckle. He was a big man in stature, but he was an incredible athlete. I’ve watched him smoke younger guys half his size in a foot race. I also got dominated on the basketball court by him. He was a gentle giant and everyone in Coffee County will miss him, especially his coworkers at the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the entire community of Broxton.”
Lee Clements wrote the following on his Facebook page: “RIP Deputy Earnest Smith! Coffee Co has lost one of its finest. From the time I started the CCSO in late 1990, I have known you as a gentle giant. From teaching me to serve papers to you coaching basketball, you always hadthis community in your heart. Just waved at you yesterday ‘G.’ Fly high and rest easy Coffee 29, we will get it from here, brother.”
The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office also made the following post on its Facebook page: It is with heavy hearts and regret that we announce the passing of one of our long time employees, Sgt. Ernest Smith. Ernest was a great friend and a outstanding person. If you knew Ernest you knew that smile that was always on his face. Ernest will be deeply missed at the sheriff’s office. We send our condolences to the family.”
Arrangements for Sgt. Smith have not been announced.