Mark Smith

Mark Welsh Smith, age 59, of Franklin, TN entered Heaven on August 7, 2018.
A native Nashvillian, Mark was a stellar athlete in baseball and basketball. While attending Lipscomb High School and setting school records for their basketball team, he was named the Most Valuable Player in Nashville in 1978 and for many years was the all time leading scorer in Nashville high school history. He was a key component in the first state baseball championship at Lipscomb High School in 1978 with a blazing fastball that attracted professional scouts. Mark was dominating on the court and the field, which led to his national recognition and a two-sport scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University. Mark later was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and spent five years in the minor leagues before retiring in 1983. Sponsored by the Smith family business, Haury and Smith Contractors, he also drove stock cars professionally at numerous tracks, including Daytona International Speedway. Mark coached a youth league baseball team, the Tennessee Ravens, which won many tournaments and championships over the years. Mark owned Mark Smith Roofing, LLC, and operated it with his son, Mark, Jr. Mark was known as a fierce competitor and also a friend to many. He always kept his sense of humor regardless of the circumstances, and even when his health was failing. He loved his children very much and will be missed by his close friends who have helped him as a true brother over the years. Mark was the youngest son of the late Reese L. Smith, Jr, and Marcella Smith. He is survived by his two sons, Mark Jr. (Hannah Flagg) Smith and Chipper Smith, and his daughter, Blake Marcella Smith; grandchildren, Gatlin Smith and Kenley Grace Smith; brothers, Reese III (Emily) Smith and Steve (Denise) Smith; nieces and nephews, Lauren (Tony) George, Lyndsay Smith, Reese L. IV (Shea) Smith, Stephen B. Jr. (Allison) Smith and Matthew Smith. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted 1:00 PM Friday, August 10, 2018 at Williamson Memorial Funeral Home, with Pastor Steve Berger and Jim Kay officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM. A private family graveside service will follow at the family cemetery located at Ravenswood Farm. Memorials may be made to MTSU Baseball Program or Josiah's House c/o josiahshouse.net. WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, 615 794-2289. www.williamsonmemorial.com

Visitation Details

Friday, August 10th, 2018 10:00am - 1:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home

Service Information

Friday, August 10th, 2018 1:00pm, Williamson Memorial Funeral Home