Mary Ruth ‘Gallaher’ Smith

Mary Ruth “Gallaher” Smith, age 72, a resident of Oliver Springs, passed away Friday, Aug. 24, at Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.

Mrs. Smith was born Aug. 24, 1940, in Oliver Springs. She was a lifelong resident of this area.

Mary was a co-owner and co-operator of the family owned Gallaher’s Market in Oliver Springs.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and a member of the Corner Stone Baptist Church in Tuppertown. Her hobbies included cooking and spending time with family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene Smith; by parents, France and Maudie Russell Gallaher; by a son, Randy Smith; by a brother, Earnest Gallaher; and by a granddaughter, Nicole McCarter.

Mrs. Smith is survived by daughters, Norma McAlister and husband Michael of Oak Ridge, and Connie McCarter of Jacksonville, Fla.; by her companion Michael Johnson of Oliver Springs; by grandchildren, Eran McCarter, Ryan McCarter, Ashley Brenner, Lindsay Brenner, Christina Smith and Tori Smith; by great-grandchildren, Vanessa McCarter, Gabe McCarter, Kayleigh McCarter, Randy Brenner, and Alyssia Brenner. She is also survived by sisters, Linda Scott and Patsy Bunch and husband Vaughn of Oliver Springs; by a brother, Allen Gallaher and wife Patsy of Oliver Springs; by a special friend, David Johnson of Knoxville; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and other special friends.

The family received friends Sunday, Aug. 26 at Sharp Funeral Home. Burial and graveside services were held Monday, Aug. 27, at Anderson Memorial Gardens with Pastor David Keathley and Preacher Robert Combs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to Corner Stone Baptist Church.

Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.