Dallas Earl Smith

Dallas Earl Smith of Dayton, passed away on October 8, 2025, at Spring City Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born on November 9, 1943, in Rockwood, the son of the late Earl and Addie (Hall) Smith.

He received a Bachelor’s degree from Bryan College, a Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees from Tennessee Tech. Dallas spent forty-four years in public education in Rhea County. He was a classroom teacher, then twenty years as principal of Frazier Elementary. He then became Supervisor of Education, then Assistant Superintendent, and then Superintendent of Rhea County Schools. He was an Assistant Scoutmaster and then Scoutmaster of Troop 150 for twenty years. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to a volunteer in scouting. He was also an avid bowler. He was an active member of the Dayton Rotary Club. He recently received a lifetime achievement award.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Wanda (Bean) Smith of Dayton; his son, Darren (Carrie) Smith of Dayton; his four grandchildren, Megan Smith, Carlie Ross, A.J. Ross and Jude Ross, all of Dayton; his twin brother, Max (Phyllis) Smith of Evensville; his brother, Jimmy Smith of Dayton; and his nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Dallas will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Milton Knox officiating. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant View Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dallas’ memory may be made to the Dayton Rotary Club, P. O. Box 481, Dayton, TN 37321, Venmo: Dayton Rotary Club@drotary6780 or PayPal: PayPal.Me/DaytonRotary.

Please share your memories and photos of Dallas on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com.

The family is being cared for by Vanderwall Funeral Home in Dayton, Tennessee, where they will receive friends on Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.