George Smith, 75, of North Chattanooga, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2019, at a local hospital.
A descendent of Abram Murphy Smith, he was predeceased by his parents, Eddie Roosevelt and Alberdia Sally Jane (Kimbrough) Smith; brothers Roosevelt, Olice, James, and Reverend Robert Smith; sisters Bessie Smith Eatmon, Katie Mae Halfacre and Rosetta Smith.
Born in Eutaw, Alabama on June 7, 1944, George was educated in the Greene County School System. He moved to Chattanooga in 1962 and became a dedicated employee with the U.S. Pipe and Foundry Company (U.S. Pipe) in 1965; after 41 years of service, he was the last employee to retire from its Chattanooga plant when it closed in 2006. During his tenure at U.S. Pipe, George was a proud member of the United Steelworkers of America. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, George and his wife were the proprietors of Smith’s Grocery in North Chattanooga. George most recently served his community as a member of the Hill City Neighborhood Association. An avid walker, his daily stroll included the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Tennessee Riverpark Walking Trail. George also enjoyed manicuring his lawn and spending quality time relaxing on his front and back porches—particularly during his retirement years—greeting those who walked or drove by and offering wise counsel to those who stopped to join him as he leisurely observed and embraced nature.
Cherishing his memories are his loving wife of 54 years, Barbara Jean Fowler Smith; daughter Maria Annette Smith (Nashville, TN); son Dr. George Alan Smith and granddaughter Naiomi Mirai Smith (Washington, DC); brothers J. C. (Cynthia) Smith (Eutaw, AL) and Norman Smith (Newark, NJ); sisters, Mary L. Smith (Chattanooga, TN), Sarah (Robert) Gilchrist (Atlanta, GA), Viola Mayo (Tuscaloosa, AL), and Alberdia Smith (Eutaw, AL); many wonderful nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends whose relationships he sincerely honored and deeply respected.
Public viewing will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, with family visitation from 12-1 p.m. at John P. Franklin Funeral Home.
A funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 622-9995.