Freeman Wayne Smith, 83, entered the Eastern gates of Heaven on April 30th, 2021 at 12:07 PM. He fought a courageous yearlong battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.  He gently passed into the arms of Jesus while holding the hands of his wife and daughter. Wayne Smith, known as POP, was a gentle, quiet, brilliant, loving family man. He loved his church, Middle Cross Baptist, and was never ashamed to be a Child of God. He was a humble man saved by grace. He loved bluegrass and southern gospel music. He loved to plant a garden, work on old lawnmowers, and keep his yard immaculate. He was an avid Alabama football fan like his son-in-law Dean.  He lived for Alabama football. He retired from DuPont in Hixson after 38years of dedicated service.

He is survived by his wife Leatha "Helen" Smith (Leslie), originally from Guntersville, AL. They had been married 63 years. He is also survived by his daughter Leslie Mitchell (Dean) and his only grandson Hayden Peters both of Hixson. He had 20 nieces and nephews and many great-nieces and nephews as well. Also, must be included, his dear friends Ray and Laura Leath from Rossville, GA and Mary Ellen Whisenhunt from Livingston, TX. All of which have been friends since it all began, 63 years ago. He is missed so much by his dog Sweet Pea who finds comfort by sleeping on his pillowcase.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday May 5, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of Hamilton Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Ellison.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. prior to the funeral service in the chapel.

A graveside service committal will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery with military honors and Pastor Eddie Ellison officiating. There will be a visitation at the funeral home on Thursday prior to going to the cemetery from 12:00p.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike Hixson (423) 531-3975.