Paul Howard Smith, 74, of Hampton, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 12, 2020, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center to be reunited with his 12-year-old son, Anthony.
A native of Carter County, he was a son of the late John H. and Ruby Shepherd Smith.
Paul was a graduate of Hampton High School where he loved to play basketball. Paul served in the Tennessee National Guard and the United States Army during the Vietnam Era. He was a lifetime member of the CAV Commanders Club. He was a machinist, retired mechanic, and truck driver.
Paul loved the mountains, lakes and loved to fish. He was a member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 12-year-old son, Anthony; two sisters, Gaynell and Peggy of Hampton; and two very special friends, Wayne Davis and Richard Hicks.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Jo Ann Radford Smith of 55 years on January 7, 2020; his special son, Brian and wife Karen of Elizabethton; two special granddaughters, Andrea and Taylor of Hampton; one special grandson, Jacob of Elizabethton; also two granddaughters, Katie and Courtney of Elizabethton; one brother, James “Speck” and wife Pansy of Hampton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, at Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Mark Fowler, Pastor Bobby Stout and Pastor Ronnie Campbell officiating. Music will be provided by Greg and Tammy Rusten. The graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers, who are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, will be Brian Smith, Jacob Surcey, Jerry Radford, Tyler Shaw, Randall Johnson and Jerry Bowers. Honorary pallbearers will be Tip and Jack Smith, Kevin Sipe, Larry Radford, Ray Campbell, Robert Rainbolt, Lynn Montgomery, Walt Slagle, Charles Pearson, Dean Pierce and members of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Military Honors will be provided by the VFW Post 6995, Bristol, Tenn. Friends may also visit with the family at his residence. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website at www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.
Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Smith family.