Marvin R. “Sonny” Smith, 93, of Chattanooga passed away on the fourth of July, almost 4 months to the day since he lost his beloved wife, Peggy. Marvin was born in Apison, TN., on May 30th, 1932, to the late Joe and Stella Smith.
Marvin proudly served his country in the United States Army. His dedication and service were a source of pride to those who knew him.
A lifelong Tennessean, Marvin played a large role in the construction of many homes in and around the Chattanooga area. He retired from TVA, Watts Bar where he was a construction foreman after many years of service. He also was a member of the Masonic Lodge in East Ridge as well as a member of the Shriners. Marvin belonged to the Carpenters Union Local #304.
He was an avid knife collector and coin collector. His favorite pastime was spent sitting on his porch watching the birds and squirrels.
Marvin will be remembered by his children, sons, Stephen Michael Smith (Ginny), Marvin Warren Smith (Georgette), and Joseph Matthew Smith, his daughter, Jennie Lynne Fraiser (Phillip), 20 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, his sister, Tina Elliot (Bob), brothers, Perry Smith and Charlie Smith, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Peggy Joyce Smith, his son, David Ronald “Ronnie” Smith, his parents, and his 7 siblings, Eugene and Johnny Smith, Odell Gainey, Irene Bonds, Lois Godfrey, Betty Jo Thomas, and Joyce Teeters.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 14, 2025, from 11 am until 2 pm. A Celebration of Marvin’s Life will be held immediately following at 2pm at the funeral home with Pastor(s) Greg Nash and Randy Bell officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Tennessee Georgia Memorial Park alongside his beloved wife Peggy.
Please share your thoughts and memories of Sonny at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com
Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Rd., East Ridge, TN., has been entrusted with the arrangements.
