Born Nov. 23, 1923, in Claiborne County, the son of the late Fred Leon Smith and Martha Bell Brooks Smith.
A member of First Baptist Church of Harrogate, he had retired from Kentucky Utilities Company with 40 years of service. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army in the Burma, China, India Theater, where he was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and A.P. Theater Ribbon. He enjoyed gardening and sharing with his friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Bobbie Smith Coward; and two brothers, Ernest E. Smith and Charles Henry Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Jeanette Goin Smith; nephews and their spouses, John Leslie and Charlotte Coward of Harrogate, and William E. and Margie Smith of Piqua, Ohio; great-nephews, John Clinton and wife Sandra Coward of Speedwell, Tenn., Ryan Christopher, and Adam E. Smith of Piqua, Ohio; great-great nephew, Jonathan Coward of Speedwell, Tenn.; sister-in-law, Banna I. Smith of Troy, Ohio; and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held Sunday, May 21, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Harrogate with the Rev. James R. Ely and Dr. Malcolm Hester officiating. Organist was Barbara Ely, and singers were Carolyn Williams and Wanda Evans.
Burial was in the Harrogate Cemetery with military honors. Pallbearers were Billy Saylor, Jamie Brooks, Tom Myers, Paul Mills, Fred Chumley, J.R. Morrison, Mika Long and J.B. Smith. Honorary pallbearers were John L. Coward, Terry Williams, Edward Morrison, Deacons of First Baptist Church of Harrogate, Dr. George L. Day, Dr. Lee Congleton, Dr. Mitchell Martin, Dr. George Krisle, special nurse Rita Blafield, and Marshall Gilbert.
The family received friends from 6-9 p.m. Saturday, at Coffey Funeral Home, Harrogate Chapel, and from 1-2 p.m. Sunday at First Baptist Church of Harrogate.
Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church of Harrogate or the Gideons.
Coffey Funeral Home, Harrogate, Tenn., was in charge of arrangements.
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