Rev. R.T. Smith

Rev. Robert Turley (R.T.) Smith, 66 of Niota passed away peacefully at Emory Hospital in Atlanta surrounded by family, friends and Presiding Elders. R.T. was loved by all who knew him for his kindness, integrity, and humor. A well known minister who pastored over 33 years, employed at Mayfield’s Dairy for over 40 years, an avid golfer, motorcyclist, fisherman and someone who enjoyed every minute of his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Calvin and Mary Frances Prigmore Smith, Brother Calvin (C.J.) Smith, Paternal Grandparents Rev. David and Minnie Smith, Maternal Grandparents Turley and Laura Prigmore.

He Leaves to continue his legacy, Devoted wife of 43 years Etta Jackson Smith, Sons Calvin (Amanda) Smith of Sweetwater and Andrew (Hannah) Smith of Chattanooga, Beloved Brother Jonathan (Sandy) Smith, Beloved Sister Veronica (Roger) Clark, Beloved Sister/Caregiver Lisa (John) Ramsey, Grandchildren Zackery O’Daniel, Zoey Brown, Zayden Smith, Zayla Smith and Samuel Robert Smith, Uncle W.R. Prigmore, Father-In- Law Benny Jackson, Sr., Devoted Nephews Austin (Taylor) Ramsey, Justin( Amber) Ramsey and Nephews Shawn Smith and Preston Ferguson. Special Niece Iesha Clark, Best Friend Randy (Donna) Ballew, Devoted Cousins Brenda Parks, Regina Smith, Brian (Jacqueline) Smith, Buster (Phyliss) Prigmore and Jason Looney. Sisters-In -Laws Rev. Sandra Haskins, Delores Jackson and Minister Phyliss ( Buster) Prigmore, Brother-In-Law Benny Jackson, Jr. Friends Rev. Wayne (Lita) Williams, Rev. Hobert Brabson, Rev. Wayman Arnwine, Johnny and Helen Bailey, Steve Hawkins, Timmy, Greg (Laura) Aderhold, R.J. Melton, Johnathan, Justin, Mike Tanzi, C.C. Monroe, Rev. Vant (Janice) Hardaway, and Rev. Tiki Dixon.

Iron Men Ministry Group -Rev. Wayne Williams, Rev. Archie Smart, Rev. Wayman Arnwine, Rev. Aderon Billingsley, Rev. Hugh Dixson, Rev. Charles Davis, and Rev. Kevin Harris.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Light of Life Ministries in Athens, Tenn. Family will receive friends at 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. Rev. Dr. Willa Estell will be officiating. Interment will follow the service at Lanetown Cemetery.