John Edwin Smith , March 01, 1944 — April 10, 2018

John Edwin Smith, Sr., 91, of Seymour, passed away on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 surrounded by his children. On March 1, 1944, Ed married the sweet soul mate of his life, Marie, and together they lived and loved for 74 years. He was a veteran of World War II where he served in the Philippine Islands as a soldier in the Army.

He served faithfully as the minister of music at many churches and was a longtime member of FBC Seymour where he also served as the Senior Adult Pastor. He lived out his faith… Read More » daily in front of his family and passed on a love for his Lord and for music to each of them. As beloved “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was a gentle, kind and devoted grandfather who was always quick to offer a smile and encouraging words.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Marie H. Smith; his parents, Rev. J. K. and Myrtle Privette Smith; and his sister, Jeanette Smith Weaver (Ralph). Ed is survived by his children, Vicki Paul and husband Jack, Cathy Cantrell and husband Darrell, Johnny Smith and wife Sheila; grandchildren, Benji Smith and wife Erika, and Brandon Smith; great-grandchildren, Sawyer Smith, Sullivan (Sully) Smith and Spencer Smith; honorary grandchildren, Justin Crisp and Olivia Crisp Lakatosh; brother, Paul L. Smith and wife Carolyn; sister, D. Ruth Smith; several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers: Jack Paul, Darrell Cantrell, Benji Smith, Brandon Smith, Joe Crisp, Michael Justus, and Will Lakatosh. We wish to especially thank Freedom Senior Living’s staff and Liz DiBernardo with Avalon Hospice for their compassion and loving care of Ed and also Gerald Robinson, DDS. Our family finds healing in God’s tender embrace, and in knowing others remember and care.

Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7pm Thursday, April 12th with the funeral service to follow at 7pm in Atchley’s Seymour Chapel. Pastor Bruce Yates will be officiating.

Family and friends will meet 10am Friday at Highland South Memorial Park for the graveside service and interment. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post #104. Arrangements by Atchley Funeral Home, 122 Peacock Court, Seymour, TN 37865.

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