Fay was born on October 3, 1940, in White Bluff, Tennessee, where she grew up, attended school, and built lifelong friendships. A natural leader and athlete, she was a cheerleader, played basketball, and graduated as salutatorian of William James High School in 1959.
She began her career at Third National Bank in Nashville. After starting her family, Fay devoted herself to raising her three boys while somehow managing to do everything else too. She was a proud homemaker, Boy Scout den mother, school band supporter—along with being a baseball, basketball, football, and soccer mom long before it was fashionable. Even while “wrestling three boys at home,” she always worked in some capacity, including selling Avon and Home Interiors, hanging wallpaper, working for many years at the U.S. Post Office in Mt. Juliet, and serving as the church secretary at Greenhill Church of Christ.
Fay was athletic, competitive, and never afraid of a challenge. She played church and competitive softball for many years and loved the old Honey Bucket field—though she was not a fan of the outhouse. She was also an excellent bowler, forever chasing that elusive perfect game. Game nights were a favorite, especially Yahtzee with family, and rumor has it she may have been responsible for rolling a few friends’ yards with their own toilet paper back in the day.
Though she was famously not a fan of fruits or vegetables, Fay loved baking cookies and brownies, and everyone knew ice cream was her weakness. She especially cherished date nights at Cracker Barrel and O’Charley’s with her beloved Ken.
A collector at heart, Fay loved antiques, jewelry pins, holiday pillows, and seasonal flags—and she took great joy in decorating, especially for Christmas. She also had a remarkable green thumb and was the envy of her granddaughters for her ability to grow plants from virtually nothing. A Master Gardener, Fay proudly participated in the Wilson County Fair each year alongside Ken.
Music was another joy in Fay’s life. Her boys fondly remember singing with her in the car and at church. Above all else, Fay loved her family. Nothing meant more to her than time spent with those she loved. She and Ken traveled throughout the United States, but some of their most treasured memories were made camping with family and friends. She deeply valued time with her siblings, nieces, nephews, children, and grandchildren—but most of all, she loved Ken, the love of her life. They spoiled one another for 64 wonderful years and often spoke of the beautiful life they shared.
Fay was a faithful member of Greenhill Church of Christ. She taught her boys to love Jesus Christ and instilled values that helped shape them into the men they are today. Her wisdom lives on through the many quotes they still repeat and lessons they still carry.
Fay was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Ken; her parents, Fred Oakley and Lelia Johnson Oakley; her sisters, Hazel Spicer and Margie Hatchett; her brother, Ralph Oakley, several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and daughter-in-law Jennifer Taylor Smith. She is survived by her sons, Tommy Smith (Elizabeth), Alan Smith (Sandi), and Mark Smith (Trisha); six grandchildren, Andrea Duncan (Hunter), Alaina Shefelton (Paul), Amelia Clark (Seaver), Matthew Smith, Annah Smith, and Evan Smith (Taylor); her great-grandson, Warren Duncan; three step-grandchildren, Trey Hyde, Michaela Hyde, and Marley Hyde; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Fay’s memory to the Nashville Rescue Mission or Nashville PBS—two organizations that meant a great deal to her and that she supported faithfully over the years. The Smith family also extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bill McKean and the staff at Heritage Medical Associates for the compassionate and loving care they provided to Fay and Ken.
Fay’s life was filled with love for family and friends. A portion of her salutatorian graduation speech from 1959 reflects the faith and purpose that guided her life and reminds us of her ultimate goal—to be with her Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven:
“It may be a surprise to you, but we, my fellow graduates and myself, feel that we are standing at the top of a long, long stairway… It has been our underlying desire to reach the peak of what has kept us at it.”
Fay Smith will be deeply missed, but her spirit, faith, and love will live on through the many lives she touched during her remarkable 85 years.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Smith family by selecting "Add a Memory" at the bottom of this page.
