Tommie Lee Mynatt Smith was called to her heavenly home on October 25, 2026, at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, devotion, and enduring lessons that will live on in the lives of many.
Born on July 22, 1930, to James and Willie Sparks Mynatt in Knoxville, TN. She attended Maryville College before marrying Rufus H. Smith, Jr., on September 8, 1950. They were blessed with three children, eleven grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Tommie’s greatest joy was found in her faith and family. She was affectionately known as “Grandmother,” not only by her family, but also the many others who knew and loved her. Nothing brought her greater happiness than having her family together, gathered around the dinner table, or playing one card game after another.
Tommie was preceded in death by her loving husband, Rufus H. Smith, Jr.; her parents, James Thomas and Willie Sparks Mynatt; her siblings, Ellis Mynatt, Pauline Mynatt Gibbs, Kathleen Mynatt, and Mel Mynatt Kuerschen; and her nieces, Kathy Kuerschen and Pati Gibbs Marshall.
She leaves behind her loving children, Traci (Lynna), Rocky (Mary Ann), and Tom (Beverly); and her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Sean (Danielle), Margaret, and Drew; Lindsey (Jared), Evie, James, Reece, and Riggs; Josh (Heaven), Everlee, and Eli; Cody (Moriah), Warren, Emmett, and Marshall; Jesse (Martha), Kirby, Haynes, and Mary Kate; Savannah (Ryan) and their baby-to-be; Reed; Cole (Leighton) and their baby-to-be; Luke (Hannah); Kennedy; and Max. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.
Over the years, Deana, Sherman, and Aaliyah Holmes became family to Tommie and the entire Smith family. The Smiths extend their heartfelt gratitude to Deana for the years of love, devotion, and compassionate care she gave Tommie…words will never fully express their gratitude.
The Smith family would also like to thank Liz Cardwell for her help in caring for Tommie.
The receiving of friends will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Atrium at Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Merchant Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee 37912, with a Celebration of Life service to follow officiated by Dr. James McCluskey.
Family and friends will gather at Weaver Funeral Home, 5815 Western Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee 37921, on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. to proceed to New Gray Cemetery for an 11:00 a.m. graveside service. Officiant, Dr. James McCluskey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Tommie's honor to Wallace Memorial Baptist Church or Samaritan's Purse.
