Wendell W. Smith

Wendell Smith, 83, of Benton, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at his home.

He was born in McEwen, Tennessee on September 23, 1940 to Kyle Smith and Mary Ruth Swaney Smith. Wendell was a member of Aurora Baptist Church and worked in management at C.B. Ragland. He enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, gardening, and tending to his flowers. Wendell loved spending time with his grandchildren and would often take them fishing. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family, at family events he could be found behind the camera, recording memories he would cherish for many years to come.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Virginia Smith; two sons, Ricky Johnson (Julie) of Hardin and Perry Smith of Clarksville, Tennessee; one daughter, Michelle Roberts of Nashville, Tennessee; one sister, Peggy Yarbrough (Tom) of Nashville, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Ethan Johnson, Zachary Roberts (Victoria), Rhianna Smith, Peyton Smith, Miranda Huff (Josh), and Ava Taylor; and three great grandchildren, Ryan Branson, Riley Branson, and Flynn Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kyle and Mary Ruth Smith; two daughters-in-law, Lilanne Smith and Pam Johnson; and two grandchildren, Michael Johnson and Brandon Johnson.

Memorial contributions may be made to Aurora Baptist Church; 30 Union Ridge Rd. Benton, KY 42025.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Aurora Baptist Church with Bro. Barry Hungerford and Bro. Tim Furches officiating. Burial will follow at Union Ridge Cemetery.

The visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at Aurora Baptist Church and from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The pallbearers will be Peyton Smith, Zachary Roberts, Ethan Johnson, Jimmy McNeely, Billy Johnson, and David Burchett. The honorary pallbearers are Tom Yarbrough, Pat Walsh, Gary Kimmons, Phil Caldwell, Don Thurman, Robert Bullington, and the McEwen High School Class of 1958.

Collier Funeral Home, Inc is in charge of all arrangements.