Dale Emerson Smelser

Dale Emerson Smelser, age 91, of Knoxville, formerly of Jefferson City and Sevierville, passed away suddenly on July 13, 2017. He was born in Greene County, TN, on March 28, 1926, to George Washington and Fannie Josephine Smelser. He graduated from Knoxville Central High School in 1944 after which he joined the U.S. Navy. He was discharged from active duty in 1946, then continued his service in the Naval Reserves, rising to the rank of Commander. He served as the Commanding Officer of the SEABEES unit in Knoxville until his retirement in 1986 at the age of 60. He graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1949 and a Master’s degree in 1959. He began his career at Rohm and Haas and later worked for over 30 years at TVA. He was a longtime member of Macedonia United Methodist Church and in retirement years, First United Methodist Church of Sevierville. After recently moving to Knoxville he regularly attended Concord United Methodist Church. Dale always had his camera with him. In addition to taking pictures of nature, he photographed all family and friend events and shared the pictures generously. He had a very full life with many interests, including traveling, camping, Boy Scouts, hiking, wintering in Pharr Texas, square dancing, the Smoky Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway, golf, the Tennessee Vols, many good friends and especially his family. He married Frances Irene Mills on November 23, 1948. They had 5 children together. After the death of Frances, he married Barbara Woods Cosey on March 28, 1981, and welcomed her 4 children. He leaves 9 children, 18 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Reba Hancock, and his first wife, Frances. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, his brother Gene (and Marty) Smelser, his children, Diane (and Jim) Bailes, Teresa (and Mick) Pulver, Lee Anne Roberts, Keith (and Barbara) Smelser, Ross Smelser, Bill (and Donna) Cosey, Bob (and Shelley) Cosey, Laura Cosey, and Cathy (and John) Hulsey. Grandchildren include Whitney, Joshua, Jacob, Reva, Zach, Anna, Carl, Will, Daniel, Tony, Bethany, Adam, Kelly, Brad, Matthew, David, Katie, and Ben. He is also survived by a very special cousin, Dacie Quillen Babb. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 20 at Concord United Methodist Church with the service to follow at 7:00 p.m. The Rev. Wil Cantrell will be officiating. Interment will be Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Gov. John Sevier Highway. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alzheimer's of Tennessee, 5801 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 to honor Dale’s loved ones. On-line condolences may be extended at www.rosemortuary.com Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Dale Emerson Smelser

July 13, 2017