Julia Ann Smith

Mrs. Julie Smith, age 73 of DeFuniak Springs passed away at the family residence Thursday night, December 22, 2016. She was born January 13, 1943 in Ludington, Michigan, the daughter of James and Geneva Walker. After completing her formal education Julie met and married Charlie Smith on March 27, 1978. Together they drove an eighteen wheeler cross country. Julie’s mom was a teacher in Shalimar so she and Charlie relocated to Fort Walton Beach. Julie was employed with the City for three years as a ten wheel dump truck driver. Pedestrians and folks in automobiles, stopped at the traffic lights or seeing her drive by in heavy duty trucks were amazed that this tiny, prissy, beautiful girl was taking the reins of these monster trucks. During their time in Fort Walton they would drive to the DeFuniak Springs area and Julie fell in love with DeFuniak. They bought property and moved to DeFuniak where she lived until the late evening of Thursday. Even though Julie tackled driving eighteen wheelers and ten wheel dump trucks, there was a softer more feminine side. She owned and operated Rainbow Florist but her greatest love, outside of God and her family was animals. If ever there was a stray, or an abandoned or abused animal of any kind, Julie was an easy mark. It was not unusual for she and Charlie to drive hundreds of miles to rescue an unwanted animal. She owned and operated Imperial Pets which still operated to this day which fosters and rescues animals. Julie’s health began to fail about three months ago but declined dramatically in the past two weeks and she slipped away Thursday night around 11:00 with her family by her side. There are those who believe that “dogs know”; they know the character of a person’s heart and respond accordingly. The animals at Julie and Charlie’s house knew when Julie passed into eternity and they know they have lost a friend.


Among survivors are her husband, Charlie Smith. Her daughter, Alieen Smith, her grandchildren, Brandon and Madison and her great grandchildren, Geanna and Mackenzie. Her brother-in-law Bill Smith and wife Delores also survive.

A time of visitation and celebration of Julie's life will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2016 from 11 A.M. until 1 P.M. in Jerry Evans Chapel. Casual wear is suggested and this will be a time of remembrance and hugging necks as Julie's life is celebrated.