Harry Joseph Smith

Harry Joseph Smith Jr. 

 Harry Joseph Smith Jr. (Joe) died peacefully at the age of 72 on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. 

Joe is survived by the love of his life and his wife of 40 years, Rose Rasmussen; his daughter and sunshine Hannah Smith (Tetsuro Namba); siblings Aaron Smith (Jean), Mitchell Smith, and Carolyn Younce; fifteen nieces and nephews, and many close friends, golfing buddies, and dedicated colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents Betty (Horton) and Harry Joseph Smith Sr. of Mountain City, and brother-in-law George Younce.

Joe was born on July 13, 1951, in Lenoir, NC, and lived with his family in North Carolina and California before moving to Laurel Bloomery as a teenager. He graduated from Johnson County High School in 1969, and graduated magna cum laude from East Tennessee State University in 1973. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) Law Degree from Duke University in 1976. He was admitted to the Bar in Idaho, Tennessee, and the U.S. Federal Court. He practiced law in Mountain City, TN for 48 years, including a town attorney from 1982-1984 and on the board of Legal Services of Upper East Tennessee from 1982-1984. He was recognized many times as one of the top 150 attorneys in the state of Tennessee. He helped many clients access their disability benefits, not only in Mountain City but throughout the state and across the southeast.

Joe was passionate about great food and great wine. He loved to travel and had visited over 60 countries. He deeply enjoyed golf and would play every chance he had- not only at Glenrochie Country Club, where he held his membership, but also at great golf courses around the United States. Everyone knew that he was incredibly smart and had a smart sense of humor, but he will be most remembered for his kindness and empathy that touched the lives of so many in our community. He will be missed by all especially his family.

A memorial service for Joe will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Mountain City Funeral Home. Eulogy will be given by Chad Napier and a family member will speak.     

Condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.mountaincityfh.com.

The family of Harry Joseph Smith Jr. has entrusted his services to Mountain City Funeral Home, 224 S. Church Street, Mountain City, TN 37683.