Chris Smith
Christopher Lee Smith, 56, left this life on August 13, 2017 in Hospice of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He died after a fall, resulting in a head injury of which he could not recover. Chris had been battling Alzheimers since 2012. He spent 13 days in Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, undergoing tests before being transferred to Hospice Care.
Chris was born April 13, 1961, in Cookeville, to Dr. James Lee and Margaret Ann Witt Smith.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by niece, Amanda Adkins and husband, Wade; and nephews, Jared Smith and wife, Sara Beth, and William Smith.
He was preceded in death by his brother, James Michael "Mike" Smith (1996), paternal Uncle, Dr. Curt Smith (2012), Aunt Grace(Witt) Penner (2004). Chris's late grandparents were Howard and Tena Taubert Smith and Alton and Lenora Elmore Witt.
He was an honor student from elementary through college. A 1979 Cookeville High School graduate, Chris received an Associate Degree from TTU and a BS Degree from MTSU.
Chris was owner and manager of motels, condominiums and real estate in TN, KY, and FL. He was very health conscious and physically fit. He was the World Champion NOA Speed Water Skier at age 12: Earned a Black Belt in Karate at age 17: He was an excellent Motor Cross and Flat Track competitor from age 10. He excelled in water skiing and snow skiing, especially jumping.
Chris was a man of integrity. He was highly respected by his employees. He was a loyal friend and encourager. He had a joy and zest for life that was contagious.
He was baptized at age 12 at First Baptist Church of Cookeville. He attended other churches over the years but First Baptist and friends in Cookeville stayed in his heart. He was instrumental in helping several teens turn their lives around.
After the death of his brother, he was there to help his nephews and niece; involved in scout meetings, camping, birthday and holiday celebrations.
Alzheimer symptoms began to appear in 2012. Chris was a resident of Englewood and Sarasota, FL from 2000 to 2013. He moved back to TN for more Alzheimer tests and eventually Alzheimer related care.
Chris's family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Wednesday, from noon until service time at the funeral home.
Chris's funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Chapel of Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Head officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Lawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jared Smith, William Smith, Wade Adkins, Eddie Farris, Dr. Scott Copeland, and Jeff Whiteaker.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimers Tennessee, 1459 Interstate Drive, Suite 211, Cookeville, TN 38501.
Hooper-Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements, 931 526-6111. You may share your thoughts and memories at www.hhhfunerals.com.