Randy W. Smith

Randy Wesley Smith, 80, of Parsons, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandaddy/grandy, great-grandaddy, brother, and friend. Randy was born on February 11, 1945, to John Wesley Smith and Oeda Jones Smith.

He married the love of his life, Bettye Graves Smith, on October 24, 1964. Their marriage was built on a foundation of deep love, mutual respect, and shared faith. Together, they created a warm and supportive home, always prioritizing each other and their family. Randy and Bettye’s bond was a testament to their commitment to one another and to the Lord, exemplifying what it means to love unconditionally and stand together through all of life’s challenges. The legacy of their marriage continues to inspire their family and all who were blessed to know them.

Together, they were blessed with three sons: Rodney Smith, Brad Smith, and Ricky (Tina) Smith. Randy was deeply devoted to his children, always striving to be a loving and guiding presence in their lives. He taught them the values of faith, integrity, and hard work, always putting family first and ensuring they knew how much they were loved. His commitment to his children was a reflection of his unwavering devotion to the Lord and his family.

Randy was the best Grandaddy/Grandy to his four grandchildren: Hunter Smith, Drake (Brooklynn) Smith, Sydney (Shelton) McDonald, and Lily (Jay) McGee, and a proud great grandaddy to Kennedy Smith, Creed McDonald, and Baby Smith, who is expected in March. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s extracurricular activities and took great pride in celebrating every milestone in their lives. He was always willing to help his grandchildren well into their adult years, especially with building houses or taking on any project they needed. He generously gave his time, skills, and guidance, finding great joy in supporting them and being involved in their lives.

He is survived by two sisters, Wanda Dickson and Rita Swindle, with whom he shared a lifetime of memories. Their bond was built on love, loyalty, and countless moments both big and small. He cared deeply for them and took comfort in knowing they were always there for one another. The love they shared will continue to be a source of strength and comfort.

Randy’s greatest example to his family was his unwavering dedication to the Lord. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided the way he lived, worked, and treated others. He spent many years serving faithfully as an elder at Beacon Church of Christ, where his love for both the Lord and his church family was clearly evident in all he did. Randy led by quiet example, offering wisdom, encouragement, and a steady presence to those around him. He was deeply committed to prayer, service, and living according to God’s word. His devotion extended beyond the church building and into everyday life, where he sought to reflect Christ in his words and actions.

Randy worked many years alongside his father as a heavy equipment operator throughout the county and across the state of Tennessee. He loved sharing memories of the long days they spent working together and took great pride in doing dozer work for his family. Those years shaped not only his strong work ethic, but also his deep appreciation for hard work, and family tradition. Later in life, Randy was elected Assessor of Property for Decatur County, a role in which he faithfully served for 28 years. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the people of the county, approaching his work with honesty, fairness, and a strong sense of duty. Randy believed in treating everyone with respect and worked tirelessly to serve the community to the best of his ability. Randy was known for his dependability, quiet strength, and willingness to help others.

Randy was an enthusiastic hunter with a strong appreciation for the outdoors. He delighted in sharing his hunting experiences with loved ones, and some of his fondest memories were made in nature alongside his sons and grandsons. Whether it was the quiet of an early morning, the stories told in a duck blind, or the simple joy of being together in the woods, those moments meant everything to him. Beyond the hunt itself, Randy treasured the lessons that came with it such as patience, respect for nature, and the value of time spent together. These shared experiences created lasting bonds and memories that will continue to be cherished and passed down for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Wesley Smith and Oeda Jones Smith of Decaturville, Tennessee, and other family members who have gone before him and now rejoice in the presence of the Lord as they welcome him home.

Visitation will be held at Beacon Church of Christ on Friday January 2, 2026 from 2:00 -8:00 PM. Visitation will continue on from 9:00 AM until funeral services at Beacon Church of Christ. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday January 3, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Beacon Church of Christ, with burial to follow in the Bear Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers include Randy’s nephews: Tony Graves, Mike Graves, Mark Dickson, Keith Dickson, Brent Dickson, Ryan Swindle, Todd Swindle, and Justin Swindle.

Randy’s legacy of faith, humility, and service will continue to live on through his family, his church family, and all whose lives he touched. His family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to all who have shown kindness, offered prayers, and provided comfort in their time of sorrow.