Leroy Smith

Albert Leroy Smith, 72, of Hixson, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2014. A native of Jasper, Tenn., Leroy was born the son of the late Baalam and Eleandor Smith. Following graduation from Marion County High School in 1962, Leroy enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving on the front lines during the Vietnam War. Upon his honorable discharge he went to work for Chattanooga Glass Co., enjoying 28 years with the company before its closure. In 1988, he began working with Top Flight Inc. in Chattanooga, spending 26 years with the company, working up until his death. He also worked part-time with Hamilton Funeral Home. Leroy was a longtime past member of Lupton Drive Baptist Church and was a current member of Calvary Baptist Church on Dayton Blvd. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, Leroy was wonderful man who touched many lives and will be greatly missed. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by six brothers, Raymond, Billy Joe, Isaac, William, Ben and Sammuel Smith. Survivors include his loving wife of 28 years, Shirley Smith; children, Andy Winters and Debbie Clark; siblings, Alma Vance, Irene McApline, J.B. Smith, Clifford (Myrna) Smith, Willard (Sharon) Smith, Ernest (Loretta) Smith, Mack (Sharon) Smith, John "Butch" (Patricia) Smith, and Donnie (Donna) Smith; grandchildren, Shandy, Eric, Brandon, Jackson and Anna; great-grandchildren, Alyssa, Gabriella, Braden, and Kylie; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service to commemorate his life will be held 2 p.m. today, Aug. 5, in the funeral home chapel with Andy Winters, Rev. Dwight Martin, Rev. Roger DeHart and Rev. John Smith officiating. Entombment will follow in Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens, Jasper, with military honors. Scott Powell, Josh Hall, Phillip Powell, Benny Don Quarles, George McGrew, and Dewey Thommason will serve as active pallbearers. Employees of Top Flight and the Marion County Class of 1962 will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends for visitation from noon until the hour of the service at the funeral home today. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to the seventh floor nurses and staff at Erlanger Hospital for their special care of Leroy during his illness. Flowers, condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, 423-531-3975.