Dexter Smith

Dexter R. Smith, age 80 of Dayton died Friday at Parkridge Medical Center in Chattanooga. Dexter was born in Rhea Springs on June 20, 1927 the son of the late William Houston Smith and Minnie (Miller) Smith. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert Smith and Paul Smith, sisters, Vergie Malone, Ruby Fugate, Joan Smith, son-in-law, Benjamin Powell and brother-in-law Dale Green.

Dexter lived all of his life in Rhea County where he was a member of First Baptist Church. Dexter retired after many years as a distribution manager for Kayser-Roth in Dayton.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Rita (Green) Smith, two daughters, Sharon (Roy) Rice and Marilyn Powell both of Dayton, grandchildren, Chris (Alyson) Rice, Kevin (Melissa) Powell, Amber (Tommy) Edgeman all of Dayton and Eric (Debbie) Rice of Harrison, 13 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson, two sisters, Iva (William) Ellis and Faye Riggs both of Dayton, brother, Lester Smith of Bellevue, MI, brother-in-law, Berry (Mildred) Green of New Bern, NC, sister-in-law, Alene Smith Green of Sierra Vista, AZ, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Dexter will be held Monday afternoon at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Milton Knox and Rev. Bill Ewing officiating. Burial will be in Rhea Memory Gardens followed by a white dove release.

The family is being served by the Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton where they will receive friends Monday after 10:00am.

Please share your memories on Dexter’s on-line guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com