Michael Edward Smith

Michael Edward Smith, age 66, from Knoxville, went home to be with the Lord on June 22, 2017. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church and a retired veteran after 23 years of service with the U.S. Army and Air National Guard, being in the 134th Air Refueling Wing at McGee Tyson upon retiring. He was also employed in the trucking industry before his illness. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Nila Smith: and several brothers and sisters. Mike is survived by his wife and best friend of 42 years, Elizabeth Cope Smith; children and their spouses, Bryan Michael Smith (Tamara) of Athens, TN and Jonathan Matthew Smith (Kelli) of Corryton, TN; grandchildren, Gabby, Addison, Owen and Molly, they meant the world to him; brother, Vaughn Smith; brothers and sisters-in-laws, David (Pam) Cope and Jim (Nancy) Cope; several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Salem Baptist Church, 8201 Hill Rd, Knoxville, TN 37938 . The family wants to thank Salem Baptist Church, Tennova Hospice and nurse Lisa for their care and compassion during Mike’s illness. Receiving of friends will be 6:00-7:30pm, Monday, at Salem Baptist Church with funeral service to follow at 7:30pm, with Rev. Allen James officiating. Family and friends will meet 1:45pm, Tuesday, at East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery John Sevier for interment at 2:00pm.