Manuel Franklin Smith was born November 4, 1921 in Chester County, TN the son of the late John Harrison and Alice Ballard Smith.
He was united in marriage to Elvie Porter on November 6, 1946. Mrs. Smith preceded him in death on March 7, 2005, following 58 years of marriage
Mr. Smith served his country honorably during World War II as a Corporal in Company B, 310th Engineer Battalion, United States Army, He was involved in several campaigns in the European Theater, earning 4 Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. Mr. Smith was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Henderson Lodge 485. He was formerly employed as a shipping clerk for Brown Shoe Company. Raising vegetables and flowers in his garden, keeping his yard in immaculate condition, metal detecting, studying the Civil War, and woodworking were among his favorite hobbies. Mr. Smith was a member of First Baptist Church in Bethel Springs, having been saved at the age of 59. He loved his family, his country, his Lord and his church.
Mr. Smith departed this life on December 19, 2017 in Selmer, Tennessee at the age of 96 Years, 1 Month, 15 Days. He is survived by two sons, Donald Franklin Smith of Finger, TN and Rickey Lee Smith and wife Dotty of Belton, SC; a daughter, Shelia Renee Cagle and husband Bobby of Bethel Springs, TN; 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild; a sister, Edna Rhodes and husband Adrian of Nashville, TN; and many extended family and friends.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Smith was preceded in death by 4 brothers and 3 sisters.
