Bristol, TN-Herbert Patton Smith, Jr., 76, passed away after an extended illness on September 27, 2025 at The Waters of Bristol Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Blountville, TN.
Born in Appalachia, VA, he grew up in Big Stone Gap, and spent many of his later years in Kentucky. Herbert studied Business Administration and Political Science at Clinch Valley College and Electrical/Electronics Technology at Mountain Empire Community College. His last occupation was a Manufacturing Team Leader with Catalent Pharma Solutions in Winchester, KY; prior to that, he spent his career in sales.
Herbert loved his family, his many friends, and UK sports. He was a Christian, and attended Bibleway Church in Bristol, TN the past 2 years.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Nell Jones Marrs. Surviving are: Chadd Smith, Pai Meng, Michelle and Daniel Whitaker; grandchildren: Kaiwen Meng Smith and Nathan Whitaker; brother John S. Marrs, Jr.; sister, Deborah Kayreen Knapp; and very dear friends: Joe Messer, Carol Sims, and Melissa Ramey and family.
The family extends many thanks to the staff at The Waters of Bristol for their dedication and care. Herbert requested cremation and no services.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Herbert Patton Smith, Jr.
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