Earl Lee Smith, age 71, from Madison, TN passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning April 22, 2020 at home with his son and daughter present. He was born May 11, 1948.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James W. and Margaret (Chaffin) Smith.
Earl is survived by two brothers, James W. Smith Jr and Robert Smith. His two children Earl Lee Smith II and Lara Lin (Jeffrey) Strohecker. Three grandchildren, Typhanee King, Jamison Strohecker and Joleena Strohecker. And one great-grandson James Stevens. One uncle, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former spouse and mother of his children, Nancy Kosse.
He graduated from Madison High School in 1966 and served his country in the United States Army.
Earl was a Parts Manager for Peterbilt for many years and enjoyed working on cars. He was also an avid craftsman.
He enjoyed going to the beach and watching sunrises.
Being a Boy Scout when he was younger, throughout his life he followed the Boy Scout motto of "Be prepared". From having Band-Aids in his wallet to carrying a plastic bag in his coat pocket for whatever might be needed to flashlights almost everywhere to a car emergency kit and on and on.
He enjoyed movies and his "very loud" surround sound systems. He assisted many neighbors with setting up their electronics and showed them features they did not know they had.
He was very well liked in his community.
Earl was laid to rest, privately, in the Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life and formal Military Honors will be conducted at a later date at the cemetery at a later date.