Jimmy Lee "Grumpy" Smith

Jimmy L. Smith, age 78, Kingsport, went to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday, November 3, 2016, at Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol. He was born March 24, 1938 in Inman, Virginia (Wise County) the son of Rev. Raymond R. and Eva Goldie Bush Smith.
His family moved to Kingsport in 1950 after his father was killed in a mining accident. He went to Orebank Elementary and graduated from Ketron High School. He retired from Eastman Chemical Co. in 1987.
Jim had fought a courageous battle with thyroid cancer since January 2015. His family was very close and supportive during this time and brought him much joy and comfort.
He was a Christian for over 60 years and was an active member of Indian Springs Baptist Church and dearly loved his men's Sunday School Class taught by Sterling Tilley. He was a wonderful and fun loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He enjoyed golf, hunting, fishing, wood carving and traveling all over the United States but he especially loved going out west.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Lela Smith and three brothers, Marshall, Roy and Robert Smith.
Survivors include his wife (the love of his life) of 56 years, Thelma Spencer Smith; son, Stephen Smith; daughter, Allison Roberts Arrington; granddaughters, Kristen Roberts and Samantha Arrington; grandson, Dustin Arrington; one great-grandson and the apple of his eye, Evan Scott Roberts; brothers, Jack (Betty) Smith and Allen (Anita) Smith; brothers-in- law, David (Judy) Spencer, and William (Nina) Spencer; and sister-in-law, Margaret (Lee) Spencer Cowan.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2016, at Indian Springs Baptist Church. A Celebration of Life will follow at 7 p.m. with Dr. Roc Collins and Dr. David Phillips officiating.


A private graveside services will be held at East Tennessee Cemetery with Dr. David Phillips officiating.
The family would like to thank Wellmont Hospice and Hospice House nurses for the wonderful and loving care they gave to Jim during his bout with cancer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the mission fund of Indian Springs Baptist Church, 325 Hill Rd, Kingsport, TN 37664 or to The Gideons International, Kingsport East Camp, P.O. Box 3217, Kingsport, TN 37664.

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