Leonard L. "Pete" Smith, born in North Chattanooga, was 83 years old and was welcomed into heaven by His Heavenly Father which he had studied, searched the scriptures about, talked about and taught about for years on Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Pete was a 1960 graduate of Kirkman High School and then attended and graduated from Chattanooga State Community College.  He played baseball for the Kirkman Hawks team.  He loved to go to the Joe Engle stadium to watch baseball games growing up with his friends.

Pete was proud to serve in the United States Army-Airborne division between 1964-1966 in Anchorage, Alaska and still loved his Country until his last breath.  As he would always say "we don't know them all.. but...all gave some, and some gave all".  A true meaning of remembering the veterans on each Memorial Day, who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and our country.

Pete wasn't superstitious at all...he and Jeannie met on Friday, 13th and then they married on Friday, 13th several years later.  A dream come true for both!  They were inseparable, doing chores, errands, working together, going to Church, whatever the day's activities called for...they were together around the clock; day and night.  Everything was always "Pete and Jeannie".  After all… 50 years is a long time to be together          with your "Best Friend", sweetheart, your rock, and your soul mate(helper) spouse.  God definitely knew what he was doing and saw the future for them being together as "One".

Pete was one of the original Real Estate Investors in the Chattanooga, North Georgia areas in the 1970's.  He loved being in this entrepreneurial journey of the early real estate investors.  Pete was a wonderful carpenter with all the special up-graded touches in his resale homes.  He had a top-notch reputation with the Realtors, appraisers and home inspectors with his finished products in all his homes ready for move-in buyers.  Pete also did commercial contracting traveling not only in the Chattanooga area, and North Georgia area but also in the Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Athens and Cleveland areas for several years.

Pete was a faithful member of the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and his love for Jesus was evident to everyone.  Pete shared his passion for Jesus Christ through his teaching Sunday School, serving the Church members, doing maintenance at the Church building, special seasonal activities for all Church members and his love for all missionaries and the homeless community. He supported several of them with his prayers and love offering for many years.  He will be sorely missed by all of his Church members.  He will finally get to see the face of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, the one which he has worshiped, praised, sung songs about, and witnessed to people about all of his life, have come true. He loved the Lord and was a faithful, soldier to the Lord, his Church and to his country the U.S.A.

Pete was a beacon of kindness, never meeting a stranger and making friends all along the way.  Especially honoring all American Veterans, decorating the Church inside or the Church courtyard area outside. The American Flag will always be special to him with Old Glory flying high and with the gentle breeze to make her wave.  Pete loved everyone and was a friend to all.  He was full of laughter and always had a smile, he could light up the darkest of rooms.  There will be a huge hole left in our world, but we have assurance in knowing Pete is now at peace with his Loving Savior.

He loved playing golf for years and liked to travel to all the local golf courses in Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama.  Most every day, Pete thought that he and his 2001 Dodge Dakota pick-up truck needed to make a daily run to visit the Lowe's department store on Highway #153 in Hixson and visit with all of the employees that had turned into being close friends after so many years.

Pete loved to work in his flower and vegetable gardens.  Starting with nothing and watching something grow and bloom.  He also loved making wood crafts for himself and then sharing with others.  You could always find him reading his Bible, or religious books, listening to Christian Music or the 50's era songs, Christmas music or watching cowboys – western or war movies.

He will be finally united with his father, Leonard L. Smith; mother, Mary Elizabeth Carroll Smith; sister, Glenda Faye Smith Workman and nephew, Bo Bean.

Pete's beloved family members who will miss him so very much, but doesn't have to see him suffer anymore would be his loving and devoted wife Jeannie; sister, Paula Mae Smith Bean (Doyal); niece, Nancy Workman Robinson (Darrin) and great-niece, Brooklyn.

Additional family members include his son, David Smith; daughter, Lena Smith; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; nephew, Jerry Workman (Jennifier) and Logan.

A very special, heartfelt "Thanks" for such wonderful, faithful, caring friends throughout the years that are more than family could ever be are Darryl and Becky Burchard and Hayley Hoback; Pastor/Brother George and Donna Ashburn; and Jimmy, Brenda and Laura O'Dell for always being close by our sides at all times and for loving us for many, many years.

We would like to send a "Thank You" to every single person that has reached out, called, texted, visited and prayed with us during his sickness.  When asked, how are you feeling today?  His standard line on any day to anyone was "I am okay".  It does not go unnoticed of how many people loved Pete. But most important is that he loved each one of you!

The family will receive friends from 10 AM – 12 Noon Friday, December 19, 2025, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12 Noon in the funeral home chapel with his Pastor George A. Ashburn, Rev. Danny Roberts and Rev. Fred Russell officiating.

A special thank you to all the Pallbearers, who were truly dear friends through the years, Darryl Burchard, Doyal Bean, Garry Newton, Jimmy O'Dell, Noel Roberts and Darrin Robinson.

Interment will follow at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, 200 Bailey Avenue, Chattanooga, TN  37404.

In lieu of any flowers, please make a donation in honor of Pete's memory to his Church at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 1441 Crawford Street, Chattanooga, TN 37421.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.