Roy Gene Eugene Smith

SMITH, Roy Eugene “Gene” – age 91 passed away peacefully with family on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. He was preceeded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Mae Evans Smith. They were married for 59 years, and he missed her every day since her passing in December 2003. He is survived by his son, Roy E. “Sonny” Smith Jr. (Cathy) of Knoxville, daughters Patricia S. Phipps (John) and Marilyn S. Burney (Michael) of Nashville. Grandaddy is survived by his grandchildren, Eric McNeely (Rebecca), Jason McNeely (Jennifer), Timothy McNeely (Tracie), Travis Smith (Susan), Kelly Brockman (Brian), Jacob Burney and Makenzi Burney and by his great-grandchildren, Summer Smith, Hayden Smith, Madeline McNeely, Lander McNeely, Daxton McNeely, Ella Brockman, Connor McNeely, Ronan McNeely and Austin Brockman. He is also survived by his devoted brother-in-law, Richard Morris Evans, and wife, Georgia. A veteran of the Normandy invasion of WW II, he was awarded numerous decorations from the U.S. Army, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Wounded in a field in France, he spent more than seven months recuperating. The silver lining is that he met the love of his life, Dottie, who was the prettiest Pink Lady in the hospital. Gene was born and grew up in Knoxville. After 45 years of employment, he retired from the Swan’s Sunbeam Bakery and moved to Nashville. Very soon thereafter, he joined the Two Rivers Senior Golf Association. Over the years, Gene developed close friendships with many in the Two Rivers golf course family. No member of Augusta was ever treated better. Gene was a loyal member of Woodmont Baptist Church and the Senior Fellowship Class, which was taught by his great friend, the late Curtis Eddy. He developed many close friendships in the Woodmont family, many of whom gave him great comfort in the days of his declining health. Gene also enjoyed a whole family of other friends, whose kindness and concern always brought a twinkle to his eye. He was fortunate to have received compassionate care from Drs. DiNella, Kreth and Anand and their respective staffs. The family also would like to extend their thanks to the staff of Woodcrest at Blakeford in Burton Hills. Their concern and constant care made his last months comfortable and enjoyable. A kind, loving and truly gentle man, he will be missed by all. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Two Rivers Senior Golf Association and Senior Fellowship Class. Visitation will be held today at Woodlawn 4:00 until 8:00pm and Saturday from 1:00 until service time at 2:30 p.m. with Dr. Jon Roebuck officiating.