David was born in Columbus, Ohio, the son of Christine Phillips and Earl Crawford Smith. David graduated from Upper Arlington High School, where he played trombone in the band. At the Ohio State University, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics and physics and later a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. This is where he met his wife, Janice.

David worked at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Toledo, Ohio, as a registered medical technologist for several years. At North American Phillips, David worked on the optics for their version of a DVD player. He was honored to be hired as a senior engineer at the Oak Ridge National Lab, where he worked for 25 years at X10. He worked with the Border Patrol on security. He attended the Sony Institute of Applied Video Technology and worked closely with the Air Force to make a training simulator for guiding the Patriot Missile. David loved his Country and hoped his work helped to keep it safe. David received too many awards and accommodations to list.

David enjoyed sailing and was a member of the Ohio State Sailing Team. He loved family vacations at the beach and the Big Smith Family Christmases at his sister Kathy’s house. His joy was watching his sons play baseball and seeing them grow into wonderful men. He loved his grandchildren and will miss seeing them grow up. David could build and fix darn near anything, and he actually liked to cut grass. He spent his retirement years with his wife, Janice, but not vacationing or traveling. Instead, it was doctor appointments, surgery, tests, and therapy.

David was preceded in death by his mother, Christine Starr; stepfather, Phillip Starr; stepfather, William Myers; father, Earl Smith; stepmother, Gene Smith; and sister, Kathy Smith Wolfe.

David will be deeply missed by his caring and devoted wife of 47 years, Janice Roginski Smith; sons, Nicholas Dean Smith and Andrew Russell Smith; grandson, Adam Smith; twin granddaughters, Amelia and Charlotte Smith; brothers, Bill Myers and wife Lynda, Bruce Smith, and Brian Smith (Danny Wright); brother in-law Gary Wolfe; nephews Steven and James Vanhoose (Billy Kalemba), and Shane Smith; nieces, Leslie Vanhoose and Melissa Myers; cousin, Pam (Bob) Simurda; also long-time friends Dave Guthrie, Bob Skinner, and best friend Jerry Thomas who not only shared a love of shooting with David but also a birthday.

The family is immensely grateful to all who helped David during his final years, especially Teresa, India, and his wonderful hospice nurses, Courtney and Chanda.

Dogwood Cremation is handling the arrangements. Because of the COVID-19 virus, the family will have a private memorial service at a later date.

Lawrence Ray Spencer, 73, passed July 25, 2020. Lawrence never knew a stranger and was always trying to make someone laugh. He had a special love for his Punk-A-Doo (Truu). Survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Lerae (Marcus) Brooks, Roseanna and William; brothers, Joe (Frances), Terry (Kathy), Rickey (Cathy) and Kenneth (Judy); grandchildren, Kayla (Nevin), Will, Jordan and Alexis (Ray’zhaunn); 6 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 29th, from 3-4 pm at Redemption Life Church with a Celebration of Life Service at 4 pm.

Anthony Charles “Tony” Poche passed away peacefully in his home on August 31, 2020. Tony was born on January 25, 1948, in Cleveland, Ohio. He served in the US Army from 1971 to 1975 in Fort Carson, Colorado. Upon returning home from the Service, he attended college at ETSU, where he discovered a love for theatre. He performed in many plays and won an award for best supporting actor.

After college, Tony became a long-haul truck driver and traveled across the US for 25 years. He loved trucking and was very good at it, too. He received an award and jacket for one million miles of safe driving.

Tony was known for his “big” heart, always helping family, friends, and perfect strangers with anything they needed. He loved his dog, Karma, AKA his girlfriend, and cats, Shadow and Wheeler. Tony was an avid reader and loved roller coasters, Nascar, the Tennessee Vols, music, and hosting parties up on the hill with family and friends. He would be the first to admit that his death was a direct result of being stubborn, not following doctor’s orders, and too much partying for the past 6 decades. He lived life to the fullest and had the best sense of humor. Tony loved telling jokes and making people laugh right up to the very end.

Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Maureen Poche, and son, Josh Poche.

Survivors include his daughter, Heather (Eddie) Poole; daughter in-law, Kim Poche;  grandchildren, Brianna and Nathan Poole and Isabella and Maddy Poche; great-grandchild, Canaan Poche; brothers, Don (Debby) Poche, Tim (Kae) Poche, Randy (Jan) Poche; many nieces and nephews; god-daughter, Serenity Morgan; longtime friend, Stephanie Stringer; and many other dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at Knoxville National Cemetery (939 Tyson Street NW, Knoxville, TN 37917) on Friday, September 18, 2020, at 1:00 pm.

Jacqueline Jean Pereira, formerly of Shelbyville, Indiana, died on 9/2/2020 at Elmcroft Memory Care Unit in Knoxville. TN. Jackie was born to Jeanette Hendricks and Howard Tetrick on September 5th, 1927. Jackie was living in Bogota, Colombia, where she met and married her husband of 63 years, Jaime Pereira, in 1946. They moved to Rittman, Ohio, in 1948. There, they raised their three children, Mick, Pat, and Jon. They later retired in 1979 to Treasure Island, Florida. In 2002, they moved to Shelbyville, Indiana, to be closer to family. Jaime preceded her in death in 2009. Jackie moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2016. Jackie loved socializing, reading, traveling, playing tennis and golf, and spending time with her family. She is survived by her children Mick (Gayle) Pereira of Knoxville, Tennessee, Patt (Mike) Aiello of Friday Harbor, Washington, and Jon (Renee) Pereira of Andersonville, Tennessee. Jackie and Jaime had eight grandchildren: Tanya Mendoza, Taryn Ricchi, James Michael Pereira II, Katie Graham, Samantha Aiello, Lindsey Stout, Andrea Lett, and Emily Cork. They also had 11 great-grandchildren. Jackie requested no funeral or memorial service. She will be inurned with her husband in Shelbyville, Indiana, and her mother in Pinnellas County, Florida, at a later date. Jackie will be missed dearly by friends and family.

Brian Hitch went to live in God’s perfect peace on September 7, 2020.

Brian’s smile brightened our days. His stories made us laugh till we cried. His kindness touched even the hardest hearts. His warmth and cheerfulness will be missed.

He loved his bride, Denise, with an intensity and tenderness that is indescribable.  He was proud of his children and daughter-in-law: Andrew (Melissa), Brian II, and Wesley.  He loved them dearly, and their love for the Lord brought him great joy. For the last 2 years, Brian has been in training to be the perfect grandpa to Seamus and Alastor; he was enjoying every minute.

Brian is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Nelson, and brothers Joe Ed and Tim. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Louise Hitch, and brother-in-law Gerald Nelson.

He delighted in holding on to things that were useful and made him happy, like his collection of cassette tapes and 20-year-old t-shirts. He appreciated music, good food, mountain air, and being around just about any body of water. He truly loved being able to make people laugh and bring them joy.

Brian served in Law Enforcement for 40 years. The team he was leading to wrap up his 36 years at the University of Tennessee Medical Center made him excited and proud.  His family appreciates the team’s love, kindness, and support shown daily during his illness.

Also, special appreciation to so many other team members at UT Medical Center who helped care for Brian and supported his family.

Keeping with Brian’s wishes, there will not be a traditional memorial service; however, a party will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Christian Academy Theatre department,  Grace Student Ministry, or UT Medical Center Cancer Institute Stephens Fund.

Larry left his earthly vegetable garden to work with the master gardener in heaven on August 19, 2020. Larry was the son of George G. Kidwell and Lenora DeMarcus Kidwell. Preceded in death by sisters Thelma Curtis, Shirley Burt, Betty Johnson, and daughter Amanda Kidwell. He is survived by his sister Judy K. Tallent, son Greg Kidwell, granddaughter Makenzie Webb, lifelong friends Eddie Barnard, Earl Johnson, Frank Clabough, and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date when we can gather safely.   In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in memory of Larry be sent to Beardsley Farm.

Kristina Nicole Brandt Warren, age 35, passed away suddenly on August 19, 2020. She is preceded in death by her father, Ronnie Jacob Brandt, and her brother, Timothy William Brandt. She is survived by her husband Andy Warren and her children Haley Brandt, Adrianna Warren, and Kingston Warren; her mother Betty Gibson; her sister Melissa Phillips and her brother Anthony Brandt (Liza); and many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles, and cousins. Kristina was born on February 16, 1985, in Petersburg, Virginia. She moved to Tennessee in 1992 with her family and has lived here since. She graduated from Jefferson County High School and was employed with action Antique Barn in Sevierville. Kristina was loved by her children very much. She was a kind and caring person. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A private celebration of life was held at the home of her brother and sister in law on August 23, 2020.

Stephen Michael Martinak (born September 12, 1965), at 54 years of age, Knoxville, TN, passed from this life to the next on September 5, 2020, in the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Stephen is the son of Dorothy (Martinak) McMullen and Joseph Martinak, both of Five Points, Indiana County, Pennsylvania. Stephen graduated from Marion Center High School in 1984 and attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania briefly.  In 1992, he moved to Knoxville, TN. Stephen worked with a variety of employers in the Knoxville area, the last being Maintenance Supervisor for a large apartment complex. Stephen was with his husband, Larry Harness, for over 19 years. Stephen is survived by his mother, Dorothy (Martinak) McMullen, and five siblings. Stephen not only cheered up a room, he cheered up the world and will be missed by all! A Celebration of Life Ceremony to be announced at a later date. 

Troy Welch, age 39, of Corryton, TN, went home to be with the Lord on September 14, 2020.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Bernice F. Welch; his father, James E. Welch; his grandparents, Troy and Lillie Sweet and Francis (Green) and Pearl Welch; along with many aunts, uncles, and other family.

Survivors include sister, Lillie M. Welch; aunt, Fern Cox; cousins, Darrell and Michelle Burnette and David Monroe; special friends, Amanda Cox, Mr. and Mrs. Smiley Clapp and daughters; plus many other family and friends.

Troy had a heart of gold that many people never got to see. When you did, you were a trusted friend. He had the greasy hands of a good mechanic who could fix anything. Troy would drop it all to fix or help anyone. He will be greatly missed by many.

As his sister, my personal mission now is to help suicidal people so their families do not have to feel the pain I’m feeling. In lieu of flowers, please donate in honor of Troy Welch to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

A graveside ceremony will be held Saturday, September 26, 2020 at 12:00 pm at Oak Grove Primitive Baptist Church (111 Dr. Davis Road, Sharps Chapel, TN 37866) with special speaker Smiley Clapp. Masks are requested but can be provided.

Harriett Sue Malonee Lethco, 78 of Maryville, went home to be with the Lord on September 17, 2020.

Preceded in death by parents, Earl and Hazel Malonee.

Survived by son and daughter-in-law, George and Terri; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Logan and Charles Joyner; great grandson, Lewis Joyner of Louisville, TN; cousins Eugene Malonee of Maryville, TN; Jodie and Jim Szudajski of Wisconsin; and a host of family and friends.

Harriett enjoyed darts and playing in tournaments with friends.

Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.

Roy Alden Pastorek, 74, of Knoxville, departed this life on September 30, 2020, at Covenant Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.

Known locally for his bass playing on his ’66 Fender P-Bass at area blues jams and open mikes, Roy’s profession was as a computer specialist. He retired from Motorola Biometrics Division in 2009 and most recently worked with Cameo Global. Roy also enjoyed a 36-year career in the United States Army and the Tennessee National Guard. He retired from the National Guard in 2001 and from the U.S. Army in 2006 as a master sergeant. He joined the Tennessee State Guard after that and earned the rank of Captain of the Tennessee State Guard.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on August 17, 1946, Roy grew up in Creighton, PA, and was the son of the late John Lewis Pastorek and Nancy Kovach Pastorek. He graduated from high school at East Deer Frazer High School in Creighton in 1964 and was a member of several bands as a keyboard player, trumpeter, and bass player. He was touring in Canada with a band when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in Vietnam and later in Siegelsbach, Germany. Following his enlistment as an active duty soldier, he continued to serve his country in the National Guard until his retirement. He received diplomas from Alleghany Technical Institute Inc., Control Data Institute, and DeVry Institute of Technology. In later life, he also received a diploma from Penn Foster Career School, through which he was certified as a gunsmith.

Roy is survived by his wife, Carolyn (Carly) Cunningham Pastorek; his sons, Phillip Alden Pastorek and wife, Gretchen, of Dumfries, VA., and Eric Joseph Pastorek and wife, Brenda, of Deerfield Beach, FL; step-daughter Valerie Driscoll Nichols and husband, Michael, of Bountiful, UT; step-son Phillip Andrew Driscoll of Knoxville; adopted son, Stephen Pastorek and wife, Mary Anna, of Simpsonville, SC; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Pastorek Newhouse and husband, David, of Vienna, VA; brothers, Michael and Daniel Pastorek of Natrona Heights, PA; his aunt, Veronica Deacon of Hilton Head Island, SC; several cousins. He is also survived by brother-in-law Charles Cunningham and wife Sherry, of Camden, TN and sister-in-law Charlotte Cunningham Dunning and husband John of Andersonville,TN, and several nieces and nephews.

Roy and Carly moved back to Tennessee in June 2020 after living and working in Edenton, NC, for 11 years. Roy and Carly were members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edenton. Due to the current health crisis and Roy’s wishes, no service or life celebration is planned. May all who loved him wish him Godspeed to Paradise.

Claude “Chip” Edwin Spencer passed away on October 2, 2020, at the age of 49.

Survived by wife of 3 years, Tracey Spencer; children, Nick and Ashleigh Spencer; parents, Harry L. and Phyllis Spencer; brother, Josh L. and wife Tammy Spencer; and close friend, Woody Jones, all of Knoxville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A private service will be held on October 8, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Richard Elseroad of Grace Lutheran Church officiating.