Wendell Leon Smith, former resident of Bartlett, Tennessee went home to be with our Lord early Wednesday morning, August 26, 2020 at the Tennessee State Veterans Home in Humboldt, Tennessee where he had been a resident for the past few years.

Wendell was born on September 5, 1934 in Oakland, Tennessee the youngest son of Claude and Bertha Hampton Smith. He attended Fayette County Schools graduating from Fayette County High School in the class of 1953. Wendell immediately found a job working in the parts department of Bond Auto Company, the local Ford dealer in those days. In July of 1954 he joined the United States Marines Corps where he completed three years of service for our country. After being discharged, he worked for Hart's Bread Company as a salesman, Reelfoot Meat Packing Plant as a district sales manager, and King Cotton Foods as an accounts manager. Wendell retired in September 1997 but so enjoyed being around people that he continued to work as a consultant for King Cotton and then later on the staff of Forest Hill Funeral Home.

On July 24, 1960 he was united in marriage with Dorothy Anne Oliver; and, they shared 53 years of marriage before her homegoing on May 20, 2014. He was a member of Broadmoor Baptist Church where he enjoyed many years of singing in their choir as well as a number of gospel singing groups.

Wendell is survived by his daughter, Wendelyn DeAnne (Wendy) Smith Wissman and her husband, Mike; two grandchildren, who were his pride and joy, Wade Oliver Wissman and Lyla Wynn Wissman all of Arlington, Tennessee. He also leaves two brothers, Carl Smith and his wife, Mary, of Somerville, Tennessee and Franklin and his wife, Barbara Jean, of Oakland, Tennessee.

A visitation for Wendell will be held at the Refuge Church, 9817 Huff N Puff Road, Lakeland, Tennessee, 38002 on Monday, August 31, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. Following the visitation, a service celebrating Wendell's life will be held at the church at 1:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow in the Somerville City Cemetery on South Somerville Street in Somerville, Tennessee.

Memorials may be made to the Tennessee State Veterans Home at 2865 East Main Street, Humboldt, Tennessee, 38343.

High Point Funeral Home & Crematorium

3788 Summer Avenue

Memphis, TN 38122

901-454-5795