Obituary of Skip Smith

Mount Carmel- Skip Smith, 66, of Mount Carmel, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning (March 28, 2019).  He was born in Kingsport and was a graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1970.  Skip attended Tennessee Technological University and was a member of the Tennessee Army National Guard.  Skip was very active in our community having been a part in the following:  he was a member of the Young Republicans, proud to be the first Ronald McDonald in the Tri-Cities, served on the Kingsport Fun Fest Council in 1998 as the Merchandise Chairperson , he was an active member with the East Hawkins County Lions Club. In 2006, he received the National Leadership Award, Skip was a founding member of the Mount Carmel Merchants Association, a founding organizer of the Mount Carmel Block Party from 1986-1992, he was selected by the city of Mount Carmel as Business Man of the year in 1980-1981, he was instrumental in organizing the Mount Carmel Community Chest, he actively participated in the Hawkins County Toys for Tots, He was honored to be the first inductee into the Mount Carmel Hall of Fame.  Skip was former owner of the Dairy Cup, Skip’s Diner, Skipez Convenient Store, and was currently the owner of Skip’s Burgers and Ice Cream located at Allandale.  He previously volunteered at Holston Valley Medical Center along with numerous additional contributions he did for his community.  Skip was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Smith, Sr. and Jane Statzer Smith; his sisters, Peggy Wolfe and LaDonna Montgomery; father-in-law and mother-in-law, James (Jr.) Bradley and Edith Bradley.

Skip Smith is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Jimmie Smith; daughter, Charity Hammond and husband, Tony; his son, Chip Smith; grandchildren, Taylor Renye and husband, Ryan, Janey Hammond, Tanner Hammond; sisters, Cathy Smith and Vickie Smith; his brothers, Sam Smith, Barry Gibson and wife, Jody, Jack Harmon and wife, Elaine; a sister-in-law, Melba Davis and husband, Norman; his brothers-in-law, Buddy Bradley and wife, Dorothy, Sherrill Wolfe; nephew, Wes Bradley and wife, Kellie; niece, Karen Powell and husband, Mark; an aunt, Mary Nell Williams; cousin, Debbie Williams; his best friends, Allen and Cindy Coup, Gary and Pam Garretson, Greg Calhoun, Vic Palmer  along with many more dear friends and family.  A special thank you goes out to Dr. McLaughlin, Dr. Hamati, Dr. Marchessault, and to the entire staff at NHC Healthcare in Kingsport for the special care given to Skip. 

A visitation will take place on Sunday (March 31, 2019) from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport or friends may also call anytime at the residence.  A celebration of life service will take place on Sunday (March 31, 2019) at 4 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Keith Sutherland, officiating.  A graveside service will take place on Monday (April 1, 2019) at 11 a.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Gary Gerhardt, officiating.  Chip Smith, Gary Garretson, Allen Coup, Buddy Bradley, Wes Bradley, Tony Hammond, Mark Powell, Sherrill Wolfe, and Tanner Hammond will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Calhoun, Will Powell, and Wyatt Powell.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association,  2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22202 or to the charity of your choice.

 You can send an online condolence to the family by visiting www.cartertrent.com.  Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport is serving the Smith family.