He was born April 13, 1946 in Whitwell, Tennessee to the late Crit and Bonnie Burkhalter Smith.
Because of his extreme patriotism, Eddy served his country as a Marine “Semper Fi” in the Vietnam War. After returning from the war, he worked at Combustion Engineering as a welder for 40 years. He was a member of the Boilermakers Union – Local #656.
Eddy was huge Tennessee Volunteer Fan to which he held season football tickets for 35 years. As an avid fan he followed them around the country to many away games. He enjoyed spending time at Cranks Sports and Trading Gallery. Christmastime was Eddy’s favorite time of the year.
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, William C. Rhodes, Jr.; sister-in-law, Nancy M. Rhodes both of Conway, Arkansas; and brother-in-law Hoyt Ridge of Whitwell, Tennessee.
Survivors include his loving wife of 51 years, Mariam Rhodes Smith and sister, Sonya Smith Ridge of Whitwell, Tennessee. He is also survived by several much-loved nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. EST at the funeral home. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. EST in the funeral home chapel with Pastor David Hall officiating.
Interment will be held at 2:00 p.m. CST at Sardis Cemetery in Whitwell, Tennessee (135 Wiley Ross Road, Whitwell, TN 37397). Tony Ridge will officiate the graveside service.
Active pallbearers for the Chattanooga service will be Kevin Givens, Brian Givens, Justin Givens, Patrick Flanagan, Keven Flanagan, and Pat Denton; the pallbearers for the Graveside service in Whitwell will be Tony Ridge, Chris Ridge, Logan Ridge, Vernon Holtcamp, Ronnie Rogers, and Butch Holland.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christ United Methodist Church (8645 East Brainerd Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421); Whitwell Baptist Church (1970 N. Main St., Whitwell, TN 37397); or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, East Brainerd Chapel (8214 East Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421).
Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaEastBrainerdChapel.com.
