Audrey Allen Smith, 89, of Collierville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 29, 2024. Mr. Smith was a wonderful husband, a respected father, and a fun-loving grandfather and great-grandfather. He was born on October 12, 1934, in Como, Mississippi and often reminisced about his days growing up in the “Greasy Creek” area. He later attended Southside High School in Memphis, Tennessee, before earning his Electrician’s license and starting his career. He worked for Fischer Steel and Grace Chemical as an Electrician, and he retired from the beer-brewing industry after serving as an Instrument Mechanic for many years with Schlitz/Stroh’s/Coors Brewing in Memphis, Tennessee. Mr. Smith enjoyed watching his grandchildren play sports, reading, history, collecting coins, Western shows, a good cup of black coffee or a big bowl of ice cream, and just the simple things in life. He was a tough opponent in Trivial Pursuit, and he often correctly answered the obscure questions that no one else could. But most of all, he enjoyed trips with his wife of 63 years, LaJuan Melton Smith, and he absolutely loved spending quality time with his family. He was a handy man who could figure out how to fix just about anything, and he was always willing to help others when they needed him. Mr. Smith was a long-time member of Holmes Road Church of Christ. He was preceded in death by his wife LaJuan, his son Kent Smith, his three brothers, and two sisters. He is survived by his son, Gary (Becky) Smith, his daughter Shanon (Rodney) Phillips, his daughter-in-law Joy Smith, and his sister Frances (Larry) Stimpson. “Pepaw” is also survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren who loved him dearly. His quick wit and caring personality will be missed, but his family will always carry his memory in their hearts.
For those who wish to make a memorial contribution in honor of Audrey Smith, the family suggests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org) or the Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org).
A Celebration of Life Service will be on Saturday, July 13th at 2:00pm at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens located at 3700 N. Germantown Rd, Bartlett, TN. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00pm. Burial will take place on the grounds of Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens at conclusion of the Celebration of Life.
