H. Leon Smith
H. Leon Smith, Jr., 84, a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 18, 2019.
Leon was a member of Morris Hill Baptist Church. He was better known as “Smitty” for 39 years in the Chattanooga Fire Department, where after serving as Private, he served as Lieutenant, Sergeant, Captain and then Commander. He served on the Fire and Police Pension Board for several years. Leon enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren play sports. In his earlier days he assisted his brother-in-law with the Red Bank Boxing Team.
Loved ones who welcomed him to his Heavenly home Sunday were his father, mother, and brother; Mr. and Mrs. Harl L. Smith, Sr. and Curtis Smith, along with other relatives and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 66 years, Frankie Fairbanks Smith; sons, Rodney (Sharon) Smith, Dino (Abby Wallace) Smith; daughters, Vickie (David) Brown and Tammy (Tim) McDade; grandsons, Ryan (Hope) Smith, Chad Smith, Stephen (Amber) Brown, Daniel (Tricia) Brown, Blake (Ryan) McDade, Ian McDade, Jared McDade, Joshua (Helen) Smith; and granddaughter, Brittani Smith; and his nine great grandkids, MacKenzie Smith Jenkins, Eli Brown, Maddie Brown, Sutton Brown, Willa Brown, Javen Underwood, Gabriel Underwood, Ellie Smith, Parker McDade; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
The family wishes to express gratitude for some very caring health care staff and professionals at Erlanger, Avalon Hospice, and Lifecare of Ooltewah. Thanks also to Dad’s sweet friends at Hickory Valley Retirement Center for watching out for his Frankie.
The family will receive friends at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21, and from 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Thursday.
Funeral services will be at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the funeral home with Pastor Bill Mason officiating. Interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice, 1301 Riverfront Parkway, Suite 107 Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the care of the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.