Oscar Smith Obituary

Oscar Smith

September 18, 1936 -

October 21, 2024

GREENEVILLE - Oscar Smith, age 88, of Greeneville, TN, went to be with the Lord on October 21, 2024. Oscar was born on September 18, 1936 in Rose Hill, VA. Oscar was the second born son of his parents, George and Elsie Smith. Growing up in Rose Hill, VA fueled many stories Oscar would share from his life-hiking to the Sand Cave and White Rocks, trying to keep the dairy cows from the field onions not to spoil the milk, and playing basketball and baseball at Thomas Walker High School. Oscar worked for the Virginia Department of Corrections for 29 years, rising to the position of Assistant Warden. Oscar frequently told stories of work camp experiences and inmates who showed kindness to each other and the guards. Prior to joining the Department of Corrections, Oscar served in the US ARMY in Korea and Indiantown, PA for six years. Oscar relocated to Greeneville, TN from Gate City, VA in 2008 to be closer to his son, Dr. David Smith, daughter-in-law Noelle, and grandchildren Reagan and Emma. Before moving to Greeneville, Oscar attended Nottingham United Methodist Church in Hiltons, VA and Kingsport First Assembly of God. In Greeneville, Oscar attended Lighthouse Assembly of God. He often served as a church greeter and enjoyed spreading cheer to congregants when they came to church. Oscar went out of his way to make sure guests felt welcome at church. At Lighthouse, Oscar met one of his closest friends, Brother Darrell Gaskins, who later took great care of Oscar when his health began failing. Oscar was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elsie Wilder Smith; his brothers, Walter Smith and Jay Harold Smith, and sister, Evaline Catron. He is survived by his son, Dr. David Smith; daughter-in-law, Noelle, grandchildren, Reagan and Emma Claire of Greeneville. His siblings, Arnold (Dood) Smith, Robert Lee (Janice) Smith of Ewing, VA and Fransis Juanita Cottrell of Rose Hill, VA. His brother-in-law, Otis Catron of Richmond, VA. The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 26 from 11 am -1 p.m. at Holding Funeral Home of Rose Hill, VA. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Jon Reed officiating. A masonic rites ceremony will be held by the Martins Station Lodge No. 188 in Rose Hill, VA. The local D.A.V. and V.F.W. along wtih the active duty military will conduct Military honors. A graveside service will be held immediately following the service at the Morgan Cemetery in Rose Hill. May Oscar's memory be for a blessing. Rather than flowers the family wishes to donate to Lighthouse Assembly of God in Greenville, TN., or the Church on the Hill ( Old Rose Hill Pentecostal) In honor of Oscars life and legacy.

Holding Funeral Home, INC.

Big Stone Gap:

17 E 3rd St. N.

P.O. Drawer H

Big Stone Gap, VA 24219

(276) 523-1470

Rose Hill:

6066 Dr. Thomas Walker Rd.

Rose Hill, VA 24281

(276) 445-3098