George Smith

George Smith left this earthly home to go to his eternal heavenly home Sunday, September 9, 2012, after falling from a ladder and incurring massive injuries. He has fought a tough fight during the past 4 years following his liver transplant in 2008. He died peacefully with those who loved him most - his wife, 2 daughters, son, son-in-law and 3 granddaughters.

God had performed many miracles during and after his transplant, allowing him to live to enjoy his favorite hobbies - collecting Lionel trains, fishing, golfing, NASCAR, and especially his and his wife's favorite toy - their '31 Model A Ford Roadster. He was a Sr. Agent with Northwestern Mutual Insurance and retired after 40 years of service, but always kept in touch by assisting his longtime clients. He attended Higher Ground Baptist Church and was especially touched by David Garrett's One/7 Mission Project, which was an avenue to lead children in the Charlotte, NC inner city to Christ. He had a special time a week ago spending time with David and about 40 of these precious children.

George was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie Bowker Smith, 4 sisters and 5 brothers.

His survivors include his wife, Sharon Horne Smith; 2 daughters, Dr. Maria Smith of Owensboro, KY., Teresa Sparks and her husband, David Sparks of Owensboro, KY; son, Adam Smith and his wife Dr. Lisa McKinney Smith of Bristol, VA; 5 very special granddaughters, Lauren and Sarah Sparks, Isabela Sparks, Anna and Ella Smith; 1 great granddaughter, Laila Smith; 1 brother, Marvin Smith and his wife Joan. He also loved and enjoyed his 2 step granddaughters, Taylor and Blair Henry.

Visitation will be held at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home Wednesday, September 12th from 5:00-7:00 PM with the funeral service following at 7:00 PM. Dr. Phil Hoskins and Dr. Shannon Salyer will conduct the service with Barry Epps and Norma Lindsey providing music. Graveside services will be Thursday, September 13th at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Greene County on Highway 93. The funeral procession will form at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to One/7 Ministry c/o The Mary Sunday School Class, Higher Ground Baptist Church, 1625 Lynn Garden Drive, Kingsport, TN 37665.

The family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the SICU unit at HVMC, Vanderbilt Med Flight Team and the Trauma Center nurses and doctors at Vanderbilt Medical Center who provided exceptional and loving care for George during his last few hours on earth. Our greatest blessing is knowing that he is now in heaven where he will not have to experience any more sickness or pain.