Lyman B. Smith
Lyman B. Smith, “Papa”, 101, of Chattanooga, passed away on April 18, 2024.
Born Feb. 22, 1923, in Chattanooga, he was the son of the late Mary Elizabeth and Hamilton Morgan Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Carole F. Smith; sons, Lyman James “Jimmy” Smith and Dr. David C. Smith along with David’s wife, Valerie.
Lyman B. was a graduate of Chattanooga High School, class of ’41. He volunteered for the U.S. Air Force in ’42 and served overseas in the China-Burma-India Theater as a U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant. He was recalled to service in the Korean War with the 822nd Heavy Tank Battalion.
Following his military service, he joined Container Corporation of America as sales manager and national A/C manager for 13 years. He then spent eight years with Gaylord Container where he would be honored as United States Salesman of the Year. At the age of 50, as a determined and self-made man, he decided to leave an established and promising career in Florida to move back to Tennessee and start his own business, Ooltewah Specialty Packaging Company, out of his garage. He and his family kept Ooltewah Specialty for 18 years and grew it to 55 people before selling to Georgia Pacific Container Company.
Lyman B. was a charter member of Bayside Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the deacon board, member of the choir, Sunday School teacher to the seniors for many years, and member of the Emmanuel Class. The congregation played an integral role in his and Carole's lives and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Lyman's family.
Because of his passion for people, he served the community in many other ways: secretary of Cleveland Civilian Club, president of East Ridge Jaycees, and served as state chairman of Membership Community for the Tennessee Jaycees the year they enrolled over 300 members.
Survivors include his son Robert Smith (Karen) and his daughter Katie Steffner (Skip) and grandchildren Sean Smith (Brenda) and son Adrian; Aren Smith (Kelsey) and children Maya, Kai, and Isaiah; McClain Buggle and sons Logan and Brody; Jes Steffner (Ashley) and children Caitlynn, Beau, and Grayson; Steve Steffner; Starr Wilson (Billy) and children Brittany (Chad), James (Meghan), Trip (Beth and children Scotty and Lucy), and Lucas; Mason Lyman Smith (Lauren) and children Beckett and Collins; Mary Carole Hall (Jarett) and children Mathias and Valerie; Cameron Moreland (Matt) and children David, Ella Kate, and Sean.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bayside Baptist Church Building Fund: 6100 Highway 58 North, Harrison, TN 37341.
The family will receive friends from 3-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, at Bayside Baptist Church, 6100 TN-58, Harrison, Tn. 37341.
A celebration of life service will follow at 4 p.m., with Retired Minister Grady Cooper officiating.
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaValleyViewChapel.com
Announcement is by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 7414 Old Lee Highway, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.