Will Smith Jr.

Will Herman Smith, Jr., age 76, of Nashville, TN, died on October 9, 2016. He was surrounded by his family at home.Born on June 11, 1940 to Will Herman Smith, Sr. and Ada Lavelle (Davis) Smith, he grew up in Smithville, TN, graduating from Smithville High School. He attended Tennessee Technological University, majoring in Industrial Management, leading him to a successful business career.Smitty was active and had leadership roles in church, civic organizations, and Boy Scouts. He loved fishing, golfing, and all forms of geology, especially minerals and the lapidary arts. He felt that one of his greatest achievements was helping to create the Donelson Lapidary Arts School which has served over 550 students. He taught faceting, silversmithing, and jewelry making (the cutting and polishing of natural stones and creating silver/gold settings for placement). It brought him tremendous joy when he watched his students take something from a raw state and form it into something that they were proud to wear. He also served as the President of the United States Faceting Guild 2014-15. Surpassing all of these accomplishments, nothing was more important to him than his family. He generously shared his time, talents, wisdom, and resources.Predeceased by his father, W.H. Smith, Sr., he is survived by his wife, Ann (Parrott) of 54 years; his four children, Lisa (John) Kelton, Lynn (Tony) Eaton, Scott (Jennifer) Smith, and Lane (Jake) Edgar; his mother, Ada Lavelle (Davis) Smith; his sister, Mary Rosalyn (Tom) Mills; his seven grandchildren: Ava, Jillian, and Scarlett Kelton; T.J. and Taylor Eaton; Andrew Cuesta and Alison Smith; and sixteen nieces and nephews. The Family would like to thank all those who offered prayers and sent supportive correspondence; those gestures were invaluable.A celebration of Smitty's life will be held at Hamilton United Methodist Church in Antioch, TN on October 14 ^th at noon with visitation two hours prior.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to your church, favorite charity, or to the Mid-Tennessee Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. (c/o FiftyForward Donelson, 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214).