James Timothy Smith

Firefighter Denise Hill and Fire Chief Jamey Williamson share the story of the search for the missing man who, ironically, Hill had just met the day before he got lost. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Firefighter Denise Hill and Fire Chief Jamey Williamson share the story of the search for the missing man who, ironically, Hill had just met the day before he got lost. LYNN HOBBS/Staff

Man lost in brush found safe by firefighter

A lost Eatonton man was found safe a few hours after he was reported missing. The timing of his rescue seemed preordained, as his rescuer had just met him the day before.James Timothy Smith, 48, was last seen when he purchased some groceries from Ingles in Eatonton around 3:30 p.m.