Margaret Taylor Smith

Margaret Taylor Smith
December 19, 1938 – July 24, 2025
Margaret Taylor Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Shelbyville community, passed away peacefully at her home on July 24, 2025, surrounded by the love and care of her family.
Born on December 19, 1938, Margaret was raised on her family's farm at Taylor's Chapel outside of Somerville, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Rhea Venable Taylor Sr. and Jennie Mai Paris Taylor and graduated from Fayette County High School in 1956. She went on to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, earning a degree in Home Economics in 1960. A proud member of Kappa Delta Sorority, it was there she met the love of her life, Louis Stephen Smith. They were married on June 30, 1961, at the Somerville Methodist Church.
Margaret began her professional career in New Mexico with an electric cooperative, teaching basic home economics. While stationed in Atlanta during Louis's service in the U.S. Army, she briefly taught junior high science-an experience that confirmed her belief that her gifts lay outside the classroom, despite her father's insistence that she earn a teaching certificate "as lifestyle insurance."
After Atlanta, Margaret and Louis moved to McMinnville, Tennessee, where they welcomed both of their children. The family eventually settled in Shelbyville, choosing it over a proposed/required move to Buffalo, New York. Here, they invested in and operated the Western Auto store-an enduring local landmark-for decades. Margaret and Louis were the perfect team: he the brawn, she the brains, although both of them possessed ample doses of both. With the help of a family of dedicated team members, and many beloved DECA students, over the years they ensured Shelbyville families that Santa had bicycles for Christmas, lawn mowers for summer, and just about everything in between-from tires and tools to appliances and Radio Shack gadgets.
Margaret's impact extended far beyond the store. She was a committed and active member of her community throughout her life:
• Shelbyville Woman's Club
• Shelbyville Garden Club
• Beta Sigma Iota Sorority
• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR)
• Board Member, Argie Cooper Public Library
A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Margaret served faithfully as a Deacon, Elder, Financial Secretary, and member of Women of the Church. Her devotion to her faith and church family was unwavering.
In her later years, she and Louis founded the family horse trailer business with Richard- Sundowner of Shelbyville, before both eventually retired-though Margaret was known to "unretire" now and then. Like right after Louis retired and came home. They enjoyed time traveling, relaxing at their Monteagle cabin (lovingly built by Louis, with "just a little help"), and making memories at Tims Ford Lake with their children and grandchildren.
Always full of vision, Margaret spent years planning to "downsize." That dream became a reality in December 2020 when she moved into her new home, chosen by her, just for her. There, she delighted in beautiful sunrises from the front porch and warm sunsets from the back-though she was much more likely to be found enjoying the latter. With a scotch in hand.
After a series of health challenges, Margaret was able to return to her home on Mother's Day, where she received loving care from family, the wonderful staff of Home Helpers caregivers, and Alive Hospice. Her final days were spent in the place she loved most-home.
Margaret is preceded in death by her husband, Louis S. Smith; her parents, Rhea Venable Taylor Sr. and Ginny Paris Taylor; her brother, Rhea V. Taylor Jr.; and her grandson, Louis Kerry Smith.
She is survived by her sister Frances Woody, children, Richard (Kathy) Smith and Mary Margaret (Larry) Tarutis; grandsons Taylor Smith of Chattanooga, Gage (Lauren) Smith of Shelbyville, and Jackson Smith of Nashville; and her great-grandsons Knox, Henry, Noah Louis, and Baker Smith.
Margaret will be remembered for her sharp wit, her unshakable faith, her devotion to family and community, and her quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the traditions she helped build, and the love she gave so freely.
In lieu of flowers, Margaret would have requested that memorial contributions be made to the Backpack Program at First Presbyterian Church of Shelbyville, a cause close to her heart.
Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Aug 2 at First Presbyterian Church. Visitation with the family at 1PM in the sanctuary, with Service Of Witness To The Resurrection following at 2PM. Private burial with family at a later time.