Stephen R. Smith passed away on November 3, 2019 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on May 14, 1956 in Elizabethton, Tenn., to the late Sam and Ann (Mynatt) Smith.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Smith.
Steve was a graduate of Elizabethton High School and East Tennessee State University, where he received degrees in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. He served briefly as a deputy for the Carter County Sheriff’s Department before becoming employed at the Johnson City Police Department, where he held positions as a PSO, Criminal Investigator, Captain of Internal Affairs, and eventually Operations Major. He graduated from the U.S. Department of Defense Polygraph Examination School and the FBI Academy for Law Enforcement Officers. He served the City of Johnson City for 40 years.
Steve was an avid golfer, VFL, and Elvis enthusiast. He cherished a morning given to him by his colleagues with an Elvis impersonator in his home. He enjoyed walking his dog Sophie, and watching the Science Hill High School Band during football game performances and in concert.
Steve is survived by his wife, Jill, daughter, Rachel and her husband, Sean Blayney, son, Ryan, sister, Eleanor and her husband, Mike Rambo, as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind cherished friends, Sam Hopson, Eddie Lewis and Debbie Botelho.
The family would like to thank the staff of The Regional Cancer Center, Dr. Spradling, The Lawson Surgical Group, Dr. Grant Taylor and Britney Reece, of the Johnson City Urological Clinic, Dr. Frank Johnson, the staff of 7400 and 2800 at the Johnson City Medical Center, the staff of the PCU at Franklin Woods Community Hospital, The City of Johnson City, The Johnson City Police Department, Lucy Mottern and Billy Willcocks, as well as Amedisys Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Science Hill High School Band, c/o SHHS Band Boosters, Inc., P.O. Box 1462, Johnson City, TN 37605 or the City of Johnson City Scholarship Program, c/o Steve Willis, 601 E. Main Street, Johnson City, TN 37601.
A Celebration of Life Service for Steve will be held at Our Saviour Lutheran Church on Friday, November 8, at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor James W. Nipper officiating. The family will greet friends to share memories beginning at 5 p.m. until time of the service. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, (423-610-7171), is honored to serve the Smith family during this difficult time.