Pete Smith

Peter Thomas Smith, 80, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Peter was a gifted actor, director and professor whose life and career left a lasting impact on generations of students and colleagues. A lifelong devotee of the theatre, he served as a Professor in the Department of Theatre Arts in which he was hired to create in 1982 at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee where he taught until his retirement in 2021. He chaired the department from 1982–1999 and again from 2003–2017. Earlier in his career, he was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Theatre at Furman University from 1972 to 1974.

Peter's academic journey was as distinguished as his professional one. He graduated with honors from St. Louis University High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Pre-Medical studies from the College of the Holy Cross. He went on to receive both a Master's Degree in Acting and a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from Case Western Reserve University, where he staged Samuel Beckett's Endgame as his thesis production under the guidance of Dr. Michael Birtwistle. He later earned a PhD in Performance Studies from Case Western, with a dissertation titled "Frederic McConnell and the Open Stage," advised by Dr. Theodore Herstand.

Peter had a deep love for the arts, literature, and education, but he was also a passionate soccer fan-an early player and lifelong supporter of Liverpool FC. He and his beloved wife, Karen, found joy in traveling the world aboard small cruise ships, embracing new experiences together. Above all, Peter cherished his time with family, especially his six grandchildren who brought him boundless pride and happiness.

He was preceded in death by his son, Noel Christian Smith.

Peter is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Pelfrey Smith; his sons, Brian Edmund Smith (Sarah Register Smith) of Sugarland, TX, and Liam Nathaniel "Nate" Smith (Marion Kirkpatrick Smith) of Nashville, TN; and his daughter-in-law, Hannah Lambiotte Smith of Fayetteville, AR. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Abigail Lily Smith, Juliet Rose Smith, Emma Arlene Smith, Ian Christian Smith, Violet Ann Smith, and Sadie Jane Smith; his brother, Timothy Joseph Smith (Sandra Smith) of Chicago, IL; his sister, Mary Ellen Smith of St. Louis, MO; his nephew, T.J. Smith of Chicago; and his niece, Lauren Ann Smith of Gilbert, AZ.

Peter's legacy of creativity, mentorship, and love will continue to resonate in the hearts of his family, students, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

Details regarding a memorial service in Sewanee, TN where his ashes will be interred will be shared at a later time.

A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 am Friday, August 29, 2025 at Little Flower Catholic Church in St. Louise, MO.

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415, (423) 877-3524, lanefh.com