Carl W. Smith

Carl W. Smith, 83, of Kingsport, passed away Wednesday, April 29, 2020, at his home. Born in Scott County, VA, Carl lived in Nickelsville before moving to Kingsport over 60 years ago. He retired in 1993 from Eastman Kodak after 32 years of service.  Carl was a member of Willow Chapel Primitive Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Elizabeth Smith; brother, Don Smith; sister, Alice Pope; and son-in-law Steve Banks.

Psalm 34:12  Who out there has a lust for life?  Can’t wait each day to come upon beauty?

A lifelong student of creation, always curious and always cultivating, Carl helped others see Beauty. His curiosity afforded him extensive knowledge ranging from food and fowl, gardening and trapping, to the configuration of any tool, toy, or gadget you may need. He had an unabashed joy that was infectious, and the phrase “never met a stranger” fit him like a glove. He was kind and generous, always giving of himself, his time, and possessions. Fishing was his favorite pastime, and he was always happy to share his spoils. His animated storytelling left you sticking around longer than you had planned, but grateful you did. He was unhurried in life, and what a gift that is when it is so easy for a person to be busy. What grace to see the grandeur in the ordinary. And he was grace to many of us. All of the goodness in him was a result of Jesus’s love for him. Grace met him many years ago and he thus spent his life joyfully living for God and others. It is hard to imagine anyone who will enjoy the fullness of the Creator and all his glories more than he. His life has marked the lives of so many who will feel his absence so deeply. 

Of those celebrating his life are his beloved wife of 63 years, Joan Smith; two daughters, Kim Marshall and husband Ted of Kingsport, and Michelle Kirk and husband Shane of Church Hill; son, Carl Smith II of Kingsport; seven grandchildren, Jami Dulaney, Stefani Huggins, Maegan Gross, Lauren Zook, Sierra Mayo, Kellie Aistrop, and Chloe Smith; sister, Ann Taylor of Nickelsville; 6 great-grandchildren, Caleb Gilmore, Andrew Huggins, Levi Salyer, Logan Salyer, Lucy Zook, and Noa Zook; several nieces and nephews, and faithful friends Donnie Jones and Buford Coldiron.  

A private family graveside service will be at Holston View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.