Retired After 33 Years As Trainmaster For CSX Railroad
posted November 4, 2009
John Mitchell Smyth died on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, at the age of 82.
He was a loving husband of 51 years, a devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, friend, citizen and patriot. As husband, father and grandfather, he was someone more special than words. His love was mixed with friendship and a million favorite memories that will always last. He was a hand within your hand enfolded with love and understanding. He gave you a feeling that made you wonder what you would ever do without him, and no one was loved more dearly.
Born in Beattyville, Ky., he was a graduate of Lee County High School. John served his country, first as a Merchant Marine and then in the U.S. Army serving in Germany.
After his service in the Army, he began his varied work career as a railway mail clerk, worked with his father in the Lee County Clerk’s Office and served as a Kentucky State Trooper. He began his career with L&N Railroad as Inspector of Police before retiring after 33 years as a Train Master with CSX Railroad.
Mr. Smyth was a 50-year member of Andrew Jackson Lodge 173 F&AM and was also a member of Alcazar Shrine Temple, both in Montgomery, Al. He was also a Kentucky Colonel of which he was very proud.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Smyth; daughters, Pam (Max) Frisbee, Ooltewah, Kimberly Norcross, Ringgold; son, Randy (Sherry) Smyth, Chattanooga; sisters, Dorothy Noland, Marjorie Barnett; brother, Melvin Smyth, all of Lexington, Ky.; grandchildren, who will serve as honorary pallbearers, Brennen Smyth, Nick, Josh, Will and Wes Frisbee, Abby Norcross, Jennifer (Troy) Teems, Stephanie (Kent) Callison, Kara (Scott) Stevenson, Ryan (Brooke) Swilling and Christen (Nathan) Woody; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, in the chapel with Pastor Fred Smith officiating.
Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort with the family and view the memorial tribute.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caris Health Care, 5959 Shallowford Road, Suite 212, Chattanooga, Tn. 37421.
The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, and 10-11 a.m. on Thursday at Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 7454 East Brainerd Road.
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