Lary and Bessie Smith of Rome recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with a reception held on Sunday, March 25, 2012 at Antioch Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, hosted by their family.

The couple was married by Reverend Paul Camp on March 23, 1962 at Antioch Baptist Church in Big Texas Valley.

Mr. Smith grew up in Texas Valley and graduated from Armuchee High School in 1959. He retired from Georgia Power Company and S.I. Storey Lumber Company, and is currently employed part time by Smith Brothers Logging.

Mrs. Smith is the former Bessie Beard of Texas Valley. She graduated from Armuchee High School in 1959. Mrs. Smith worked at Champion Garment Company until their first child was born, and then became a full time homemaker.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two sons: Robin Smith and Tim Smith, both of Rome. They have three granddaughters.

Mr. and Mrs. Smith are active members of Antioch Baptist Church. Mr. Smith is a member of the Armuchee Ruritan Club and Mrs. Smith is the cook for the club that meets once a month. They both enjoy gardening, camping, and going on mission trips with their church where they are responsible for all of the meals on the trip. Mr. Smith also enjoys going to car shows and bird watching. Mrs. Smith enjoys reading, cooking, sewing, and working with her flowers and plants.

Especially happy times for the couple have been the births of their two sons and their three granddaughters. They have also enjoyed numerous years of mission trips and camping trips with their family and friends.

They attribute their successful marriage to their love for each other, faith in God, and working together as husband and wife.