Ellis Smith

Jr.Ellis Alexander Smith Jr., 92, of Signal Mountain, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2013.As he wrote to his wife, Rita, in Sept. 1943, "Remember my darling what is written in this Bible is what I am fighting for. I'll be home before long;" those words have never been more true than upon his passing. Ellis was a life-long resident of Signal Mountain. He served in World War II and fought in the European theater. He was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. A member of Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, he served as an elder and taught Sunday School. Ellis was a charter member of the Signal Mountain Lions Club. Ellis and Rita were active members in the Chattanooga Corvette Club, the Sports Car Club of America, the Antique Automobile Club of America, and they also enjoyed clogging and square dancing. Ellis retired from the U.S. Postal Service where he was a rural carrier.He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Rita H. Smith; daughter, Rita Smith Irvin; son, Jim (Sandi) Smith; grandchildren, Corey (Amber) Irvin, Jennifer (Jason) Smith Ontog, Jeffrey Smith, Justin Smith, Travis (Lauren) Irvin; and great-grandchildren, August, Lilly and Shep. He loved God, his wife and family, his mountain home, his country and the flag.Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.The service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2013 at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church with the family receiving visitors in the church parlor one hour prior to service.In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Elliss memory to Signal Mountain Presbyterian or the Mountain Arts Community Center or the Wounded Warrior Project.Visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home, Ashland Terrace.