September 26, 2018
W. Doyle Smith, age 95 died peacefully on September 25, 2018 at NHC Healthcare. He was a resident of the Webb House Retirement Center,
He is survived by his children, Barbara and Jim Wall, Brenda and Dr. Doug Hooper of Smithville and Al and Toni Smith of Huntsville, Alabama.
In addition to his children, he is survived by his grandchildren, Bryon, Brooke, Daniel, Justin, and Matt and three great grandchildren, Victoria, Caroline, and Knox.
A native of Smithville, he was born February 22, 1923 to Isaac A. and Callie Smith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Melford Stone Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Othel Smith and sisters, Alvilda Hendrixson, Beulah Hendrixson, and Maurene Tramel, and a grandson Robert Allen.
He graduated from DeKalb County High School in 1943. He served in the United States Army during World War II. Following his service, he attended Tennessee Technological University and graduated earning a B.S. in Agriculture.
After graduation, he was a representative for the Tennessee Farmer’s Cooperative and the Agrico Chemical Company. His career made a significant change when he was asked to relocate to Ohio. Instead of relocating, he accepted a position at DCHS subsequently becoming assistant principal and eventually Director of the Vocational School.
He and his wife created a scholarship at Tennessee Tech given each year to a DCHS graduating senior. With this endowment lives of young people will be forever changed just as his was as a young adult after the war.
After retirement he was elected to the executive board of the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association and served the local chapter in many capacities.
He was active in civic and community organizations serving on the Caney Fork Electric Board, Chamber of Commerce, and Liberty Masonic Lodge #77. He was also an active member of the American Legion serving many years as the Girls and Boys State coordinator.
He was a long time member of the First United Methodist Church, the Friendship Class, and he served on various committees.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and Friday from 9-10 a.m. at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home followed by the funeral Friday at 11 a.m. also at Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Burial will be in DeKalb Memorial Gardens.