John Herschel Smith

John Herschel Smith ,age 95 of Athens, passed away Wednesday, March 11, 2020 at Tennova Medical Center of Cleveland. A native of  Newport ,TN  and resident of McMinn County most of his life, he was the son of the late Mack Clinton ( M.C.)  and Mamie Kate Holt Smith.  He was preceded in death by his wife Martha Jean "Polly" Turner Smith (October 29, 2009.) and daughter Carolyn Dodd.  He was member of the Meridian Sun Lodge. In his professional life, he was the plant engineer at the Athens Plow Company and the director of the state area vocational-technical school. He also functioned as architect for several local homes. In his free time, he was a member of the "Liars Club," a woodworker, knife trader, musician, cookbook author, writer, and artist.
Survivors;

• One daughter and son-in-law; Hershella "Shelly" and Jay Gleason of Mars Hill, NC
• Two grandchildren, Charles and Daryl Harrison Dodd and Elizabeth Dodd.
• Brother, Marshall Wayne Smith of Cleveland, TN

The funeral service will be 5:00 pm Saturday, March 14, 2020 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with the Rev. Dr. Charles Ensminger officiating.

The graveside will be 11 am Sunday, March 15, 2020 at McMinn Memory Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 3-5 pm Saturday before the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Holston Home for Children

Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycockhobbs,com/notices/John-Smith 

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.