Thurman Smitty McGhee Smith

Smith, Thurman McGhee “Smitty”, age 86, of South Knoxville, passed away Thursday, February 17, 2011 at UT Medical Center. Smitty was born January 26, 1925 to William L. and Margaret Cassady Smith. After attending Rule High School, he began working for Berry Funeral Home and then joined the US Army at the age of 18 and served for three years and 19 months in Germany with the 3rd Army in the Medical Unit. Smitty also served two years as a 1st Sgt. of Co. A 822nd Tank Battalion in the Korean Conflict. After returning from the service he began his career with South Central Bell and retired after 28 years of service. After retiring from the telephone company he returned to Berry Funeral Home and served as a funeral director for over 20 years. Smitty was a member of South Knoxville Masonic Lodge #769 F&AM for more than 50 years. He was a deacon and member of Meridian Baptist Church and the Ready Men Sunday School class. He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters. Smitty was a devoted husband and father and will be missed by all. Survivors include wife of 68 years, Marie Wallace Smith; son and daughter-in-law, Donald Ray and Sandy Smith of MA and daughter, Barbara G. Henry of Knoxville; grandchildren, Ryan T Henry, Megan Henry of Knoxville and Gordon Smith of Wilmington, NC; great grandson, Jayden Henry and friend, Christopher Rogers. Family will receive friends 2:00 – 3:00 PM Sunday in Berry Chapel with a funeral service to follow at 3 PM. Rev. Dana Fachman will be officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Tennessee Army National Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meridian Baptist Church, 6513 Chapman Highway, Knoxville, Tennessee 37920. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com