Mr. Claude E. Smith

Smith, Claude E. (Beetle), Formerly of Morristown, age 68, died August 3, 2013 at U.T. Medical Center following a courageous 17-month battle with myelodysplastic syndrome and leukemia. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Zora Smith, brother Robert Smith, parents-in-law Edward and Marie Monday, brother-in-law Hu A. Blake and niece Debbie Benefield. He leaves his loving wife and best friend of 35 years Gayle; children Eddie D. of Knoxville, Patrick of Johnson City, and Renee Rice (Sean) of Strawberry Plains; grandsons Jessie Rice and Gabe Smith; brother Guy Smith (JeanAnn) of Morristown; sisters Cecile Carpenter and Betty Collins of Morristown and Carol Lawson (Danny) of White Pine. He is survived by several nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law, Darlene Rickard (LaVon) and Penny Blake, whom he considered his special angels here on earth. Mr. Smith was a Drill Instructor in the US Army with tours of duty in Germany and Vietnam. He retired from Wm. S. Trimble Co. as Service Manager of The Overhead Door Division. Eddie was a special man who loved his family and his country. He was a wonderful husband, father, “Poppie”, brother and friend. Besides his family, his second love was fishing and he went every chance he could. Special thanks to his fishing buddies-son E.D., son-in-law Sean and friend Kyle for the last trip they took him on while he was so sick—it meant so much to him. He was also an avid fan of anything UT, and enjoyed running, usually 6-10 miles a day. Mr. Smith had an incredible work ethic and was known for his kindness and fairness on and off the job. He was always eager to lend a helping hand. Eddie had a wicked sense of humor, which served him well the last several months. He was and is loved and will be forever missed. Much love and gratitude to Eddie’s many doctors, especially Dr. Submaranian, and all the staff of 12E, CVICU, MCC, and TSICU at UT Medical Center. Special thanks to all ancillary services that were so kind to Eddie and made him feel loved. You will be in our hearts forever. Memorial Service to be held Tuesday, August 6, 2013, Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel, with visitation from 5:00-7:00 p.m. preceding the service; Dr. Thomas Sweet and Rev. Fran Vickers, officiating. In lieu of flowers, it was Eddie’s request that contributions be made to The Cancer Center at UT Medical Center, 1924 Alcoa Highway, Knoxville, TN, 37920 or to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. On-line condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mr. Claude E. Smith

March 18, 1945 - August 3, 2013