Elmer David Smith
Elmer David Smith Jr., aged 77, absent from the body and present with the Lord, passed away Monday, September 8, at his home in Oak Ridge.
He was born June 6, 1937, in Lee County, Virginia, to Elmer and Arminda Smith.
He graduated from Berea College in 1960, where he met his wife Edna Welte Smith. They were married August 6, 1961, at Danforth Chapel in Berea, Kentucky. He went on to earn a Master of Arts in Education from Eastern Kentucky State College in 1963.
Mr. Smith was a sergeant in the Army for two years during the Cold War training new recruits. He was a much-loved teacher in the Oak Ridge School system for over 30 years, teaching primarily fifth-grade students. In the 1970s, Mr. and Mrs. Smith started the Jack and Jill Childcare Center in Oak Ridge and operated it for nine years.
He was a faithful member, deacon, and Sunday School teacher at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge for over 40 years.
Mr. Smith was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Edna, and his daughter Rebecca. He is survived by three sons, Philip Smith of Oak Ridge, Matthew Smith and wife Lynn of Knoxville, and Andrew Smith and wife Lauren of Nashville; five grandchildren, Rachel, Anna, Ryan, Nathanael, and Taliah; and siblings Faye Clark, Victor Smith, and Sammy Smith.
The family will receive friends on Monday, September 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Oak Ridge. The funeral will follow at 7 p.m. with the Reverend Glenn Ellis officiating. Family and friends will gather on Tuesday, September 16, at 11 a.m. at Oak Ridge Memorial Park for a graveside service. The members of Mr. Smith’s Men’s Sunday School class will serve as his honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Parkinson’s support group of East Tennessee. (www.pkhopeisalive.org)
An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.
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