Frank C. Smith

Smith, Frank C.---age 92 of Knoxville, TN passed away Thursday June 9, 2016 at Tennova North Medical Center. Mr. Smith was born on June 22, 1924 in Shell Creek, TN. He was preceded in death by parents, Carl E. and Reathia (Harmon) Smith, beloved wife Margaret E. (Little) Smith, brother Roland E. Smith, sister D. Irene Pierce, sister Mary Lou Laws, daughter, Helen I. Lallathin, and son Frank C. Smith, Jr. Mr. Smith is survived by three daughters, Dr. Mary Lou (Vincent) Kanipe of Knoxville, TN, Sue (Ed) McElyea of San Antonio, TX, and Betty Henderson of Knoxville, TN formerly of Daytona Beach, FL; thirteen grandchildren, Debbie (Jon) Hermanson of Knoxville, TN, Tom (Dana) McElyea of Southlake, TX, Bob (Berna) McElyea of Houston, TX, Tammy Kanipe of Knoxville, TN, Dr. Sherry (Scott) Garrett of San Antonio, TX, Lori (Scott) Asbury of Powell, TN, Jenny (Andrew)Ferrell of Crestview, FL, Paula (Jose)Quinones of Boca Raton, FL, Frank Smith, III of Temple, GA, Tracy Jackson of Knoxville, TN, Stacy (Greg) Tye of Knoxville, TN, Kris Smith of Clinton, TN, Shana (John) Carr of Sevierville, TN; twenty-three great-grandchildren, twelve step-great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, three step great-great grandchildren, and sister Helen Teague of Elizabethton, TN; and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mr. Smith attended Hampton High School and Cloudland High School, joined The U.S. Marine Corps on Dec. 12, 1941, five day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor when he was a senior in high school. He received a G.E.D. when he returned home from the war. He graduated in 1954 from E.T.S.U. with a B.S. after the birth of his five children and received his Master’s Degree in 1966 from UT. He accumulated 45 hours above a Master’s at U.T. while teaching in the Knoxville City School System. He retired from the education field after 33 years as principal and teacher. Teaching experience includes one year in Carter County, TN (1954-55), two years in Lenoir City Schools, TN (1955-57), twelve years in the Knoxville City Schools at South Junior-Senior High (1957-1962) and Rule High School (1962-1969). Then he served as the Principal at Knoxville Evening High School and Supervisor of Adult Basic Education (1969-1982) until his retirement in 1982 after 33 years as an educator. During his career as an educator he served as President of the Knoxville Teachers’ League from 1969-79 and was a lifetime member of the National Education Association as well as several other professional organizations. He was a staunch Democrat and a lifelong learner. He was an inactive member of First Christian Church, Knoxville. He was often described as a “jack of all trades”. According to his children, he could do “anything.” He loved pouring concrete, remodeling, woodworking, and gardening. He enjoyed nature, hard work, and being with his family. He was a certified journeyman meat cutter which came in handy after a day of hunting. He was a historian and loved teaching history and geography to his students as well as his own children. He was deeply interested in genealogy and his heritage. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sunday, June 12, 2016 at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel. The family and friends are invited to attend funeral services at 7:00 pm following the visitation with Minister Dennis Pierce from Elizabethton Church of Christ officiating. Family and friends will gather at 9:30 am Monday, June 13 at Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel and travel in procession to Greenwood Cemetery for a 10:00 am internment service. Military services will be provided by East Tennessee State Veterans Honor Guard. Online obituary may viewed and condolences made at www.rosemortuary.com.

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Frank C. Smith

June 22, 1924 - June 9, 2016