Elliott Smith Obituary

GREENEVILLE - Dr. Elliott (Benny) B. Smith, age 77, of Greeneville passed away Monday, November 27, 2023 at Greeneville Community Hospital with his children by his side. Dr. Smith, an internist, had over 40 years experience in the medical field and had been in private practice for over 30 years. He was passionate about medicine and cared deeply for his patients. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who affectionately referred to him as Pops.

Born in Greeneville, Benny was a graduate of Greeneville High School and East Tennessee State University. He was a member of the ETSU Rifle Team when they were ranked top 5 in the nation. He then joined the United States Army as a 1st Lt. During his service, he was a Battery Commander for an Air Defense Artillery Unit based in Korea.

After his service, Benny, following in the steps of his great-grandfather, began his journey in medicine. Benny's great-grandfather, Dr. Elliott B. Smith was the first doctor in Greeneville and was considered the unsung hero of the cholera epidemic in 1875.

Benny furthered his education and graduated from the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics as a respiratory therapist and later at Quillen College of Medicine where he graduated with honors, received his Doctorate in Medicine, and specialized in Internal Medicine. Benny was in the second graduating class at Quillen. During his residency, he received many academic awards: Best Overall Performance by a PGY-II Resident, Outstanding Performance in Teaching and Counseling Future Physicians, Peer Award for Outstanding PGY-III Resident, and Outstanding Award for Best Overall Performance in Three Years of Residency Training.

Before starting his private practice, Benny's extensive medical career included Director of Respiratory Therapy at Holston Valley Community Hospital, Program Director of Respiratory Therapy Technician School at ETSU, Emergency Room Physician at Hawkins County Memorial Hospital and Laughlin Memorial Hospital. He received may awards from the American Medical Association. Benny was a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, Greene County Medical Association, Tennessee Medical Association, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Elliott (Barney) B. Smith and Dorothy Wayland Smith; and best friend and companion, Tippy Tail. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Waddell Smith; daughter and son-in-law Carrie and Chris Tucker; son and daughter-in-law Elliott B. Smith, IV, and Lynne Smith; grandchildren, Elliott, Maddox, and Wrenley Tucker and Savannah and Eliana Smith; sister Jean Smith and brother and sister-in-law Spencer and Lois Smith; nieces and nephews, Jessica Bitner, Leslie Whitson, Will Bitner, and Charlie Smith; and special friend Dickie Buckles.

Benny loved adventure, whether hiking the Appalachian Trail, exploring rivers or caves or just walking his dogs. He loved taking his grandchildren on excursions, teaching them about rocks, trees, and wildlife. Benny could always find a way to have a learning experience packed with fun.

There will be no formal services. Donations can be made to the Greeneville Humane Society, 400 N Rufe Taylor Rd, Greeneville, TN 37745. Jeffers Funeral and Cremation Service are in charge of the arrangements.

And as Benny would always say, "Behave yourself."