Jack Calvin Smith

Jack Calvin Smith of Chattanooga, TN, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.

He was born in Tyner, TN on January 24, 1927.  Jack attended Chattanooga High School and University of Chattanooga. Jack was a Certified Mechanical Engineer. He retired from Combustion Engineering after 38 years and then served in the ministry as an education director for over 25 years.  Jack was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church. 

He was the husband of his beloved wife, Rosa Jo Tallant Smith, who preceded him in death.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, William Thomas Smith and Cora Ethel Grigsby Smith, and sister, Billie Corinne Smith Manning.

Survivors include his daughters, Pamela Jo Smith (Charles) Grant, Brenda Ann Smith (David) Christian; five grandchildren, David (Julie) Grant, Kelly (Chris) Neighbors, Brent (Julie) Hales, Keith (Miquela) Hales, Jaclyn (Luke) Walliser; Great Grandchildren,  Andrew (Catherine) Grant. Austin (Morgan) Grant, Zach (Laven) Grant, Lauren (Ryan) Reaves, Kelsey Jo Neighbors, Kayla Rose Neighbors, Kora May Neighbors, Rebecca Joy Hales and Jack Hales.  Great-Great Grandchildren, Calvin Grant, Rowan Grant, Knox Reaves and Eli Grant.

Jack became a Christian at the age of 7.  He joined Ridgedale Baptist Church in 1947 where he served as Sunday School Director for 17 years and held many other leadership positions.  For 16 years he served as Sunday School Director of Hamilton County Baptist Association.

After early retirement from Combustion Engineering, he continued his calling in the field of Christian Education.  He served as Minister of Education at the First Baptist Church of Starkville, MS; Judson Memorial Baptist Church, Nashville, TN and for 24 years at the First Baptist Church of Ft. Oglethorpe, GA.

Jack was a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Georgia Baptist Association of Christian Educators and Southern Baptist Association of Christian Education.

Jack served as a drill sergeant in the US Army during WWII.  He enjoyed The Arts, traveling with his wife in all 49 contiguous states and Europe.  He was an ardent fan of the University of Chattanooga MOCS sports

For over 65 years he considered it a privilege, honor and joy that God gave him the ability to teach the bible and lead others to do the same.  He touched many lives through ministry first to his family and then to others.

A funeral service will be held at 3 PM Sunday January 3, 2021 at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421, with Dr. Ray Lloyd and Rev. David Grant officiating.  Interment will be at 10:30 AM Monday January 4, 2021, at Pine Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Cemetery in McDonald, TN with Chris Neighbors, Luke Walliser, Keith Hales, Brent Hales, Andrew Grant, Austin Grant and Zachary Grant serving as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army, 822 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37403.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort to the Smith family.

Per the current health situation and mandate of the Hamilton County Mayor, visitors must adhere to all CDC guidelines, including social distancing and the wearing of facial coverings for visitation and/or services.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 PM Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Ridgedale Baptist Church, 1831 Hickory Valley Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Arrangements are by Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.