Obituary of Roy Smith

Roy Smith passed away on May 27, 2013 at the age of 99. Roy was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on July 16, 1913 to J. Walter and Roxy Ray Smith. He is survived by his son, Roy Thomas Smith Jr. "Tommy", of Carrollton Georgia, nieces and nephews. His is preceded in death by his wife, Johnnie Lou Powell Smith, his parents, and brothers Warren and Harmon. Roy was a founding member of Chattanooga Valley Presbyterian Church. Roy grew up in St. Elmo at the foot of Lookout Mountain, where as a boy, he delivered newspapers and became an eagle scout. Over the years, he developed interests in jewelry making, pottery, illustration, sign making, taxidermy, woodworking, and most importantly tennis. He became a charter honorary junior member of the Manker Patton Tennis Club and went on to win many awards throughout his 80's. Roy worked at Whealand Foundry as a draftsman and tool maker. Originally, they made oil drilling and saw mill equipment. During the war, Roy determined that the company was capable of making heavy artillery, so they began supplying Watervliet Arsenal in New York. General Gillespie took Roy's draft card to make sure that he was not drafted. Roy and Johnnie Lou, who had known each other since adolescence, married in July of 1949. After honeymooning in Europe, they purchased an old farm in Flintstone, Georgia and spent many enjoyable years restoring it. Being a "City Boy", he had always dreamed of experiencing life on the farm. Roy loved telling his many stories of his tennis, farming, and gun making days. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to those at Oak Mountain Retreat, Halcyon Hospice, and The Stewart House for their care and compassion during his later years. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, May 31, 2013 at Wann Funeral Home, 4000 Tennessee Avenue, Chattanooga Tennessee, with the funeral service immediately following at 11:00 AM. Roy's nephew, Rev. Ronald Ragon will be officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Roy to the charity of your choice. Share your memories, stories and photos at wannfuneralhome.com.