Melba Smith Obituary

PINEY FLATS - Melba Thelma Smith, age 83, of Piney Flats, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the Johnson City Medical Center. Melba was born May 11, 1940 to the late David and Della Richardson Dugger. In addition to her parents, Melba was also preceded in death by her husband, Paul R. Smith; her son, Ricky Smith; a daughter, Naomi Smith; and two brothers, Howard Dugger and J.E. Dugger.

Melba loved her family and family gatherings. She was of the Free Will Baptist faith and a member of Boring Chapel Free Will Baptist Church. Melba loved flowers and had a big garden and enjoyed working in her garden.

Those left to cherish and remember Melba include her children, Robbie (Brenda) Smith of Bluff City, Kathy (Benny) Price of Bluff City, Lora (Jerry) Davis of Gray, and Sara (Jerry) Pippin of Piney Flats; twelve grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and two brothers, June Dugger and McArthur Dugger. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.

A service to celebrate Melba's life will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 18, 2023 in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home of Bluff City with Mr. Earl Bailey officiating. Music will be under the direction of Jim and DeeDee Odum. The family will receive friends between the hours of 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM in the funeral home chapel prior to the service on Monday. Friends may also visit at the home of a daughter, Lora and Jerry Davis at other times.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in the New Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Matthew Smith, Benny Price, Jr., Jacob Hurt, Daniel Hurt, Brandon Moritz, Gary Dowell, Eli Vandenburg and Tim Necessary. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 10:45 AM on Tuesday.

Words of comfort and sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City Chapel is honored to serve the Smith family. Office: (423) 538-7131; Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917