Jack Arlen Smith

Jack Arlen Smith went on to spend the rest of eternity with Christ on Saturday, June 27th, as the early morning light was just starting to brighten his face. He passed at home at the age of 85, surrounded by loved ones. 

Jack was born May 11th, 1941 in New Castle, Indiana. He was a son of Finley Smith and Marie Wyatt Smith, the third of six siblings. He graduated from Carthage High School in 1959.

 He joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18 and proudly served our country from 1959-1963. Upon leaving the military he fell in love with Shirley (Lindsay) and spent the rest of his life loving and providing for her and his family. Always an avid outdoorsman, he spent those years hunting, trapping and fishing, or just enjoying nature, and he loved to teach others about the joy of the outdoors. In his spare time he often found himself on the golf course or woodworking in his shop. 

During his lifetime Jack made a living as a log buyer, logger, sawmill owner, Christmas tree farmer, and residential construction contractor. His work ethic was impeccable and he did his best to pass that trait on to every youngster he came in contact with. 

When he wasn’t working Jack often coached youth sports and always loved kids; he also worked with the youth and elderly at Church. He was a great encourager, always ready with a smile and a firm handshake for the men or a big hug for the kids and women. He was instrumental in the upbringing of two of his Granddaughters and filled the position of both Daddy and Papaw. Even in his final hours he couldn’t keep the smile from his face when he heard Emma and her baby Wayland’s giggle next to his bed.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his brother David Smith, his father and mother in law Clyde Lindsay and Marthena (Siders) Lindsay. He is survived by his beautiful wife Shirley Smith, his children Tena Bishop, Barry Smith and wife Kelly, Dan Smith and wife Missy, and Darcy Smith. He is also survived by a multitude of Grand and Great-Grand children who he cherished, and we all believe he was the best Dad and Grandpa anyone could hope for. 

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the Veterans Administration’s Homebound Primary Care Team, especially nurse Isaiah and Dr. Petru for the incomparable compassion and care they poured out on Jack and his family. Jack’s oncologist, Dr. Robert Schumaker, will forever occupy a special place in our hearts for the genuine caring and kindness he displayed while still operating at the highest level of his profession. We also want to thank the Always Best Care team, Barbara and Beth, for caring for Jack as if he was their own family. 

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, July 11th at 12:00 noon at Vonore Baptist Church, followed by a meal and a time of greeting the family and sharing memories. There will also be a private internment service on Monday, July 13th at East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to either H.I.S. Guatemala for homeless children in Guatemala City (@hisguate Venmo) or the Wounded Warrior Project.