Tyson Smith

Tyson Smith Jr., age 71, of Townsend, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Blount Memorial Hospital.

He was the son of the late Tyson and Juanita Brown Smith. He is survived by his wife, Kathy Gheesling Smith; brother, Kimball Smith; sons, Tyson Scott Smith (Stephanie), Matthew Smith and Jake Smith; stepsons, Jason Conner (Kelly) and Lance Conner; stepdaughter, Rachel Conner Woodburn (Josh); two granddaughters, Hallie Conner and Ansley Woodburn; and many extended family members.

Tyson was a 1968 graduate of Copper Basin High School. He earned his Bachelor’s of Science in zoology at the University of Tennessee and received his medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Tennessee Health Center College of Medicine in 1975. He worked in the medical field as a pathologist and medical director most of his career in Georgia, New York, West Virginia and North Carolina.

He also returned to school in 1992 to receive his Juris Doctor degree (law) from Atlanta Law School and then in 2001 received his M.B.A. in Physician Business Administration from Kennesaw State University.

Photography was a love of his during his retirement years with his wife, Kathy. Tyson was a member of many camera clubs, Professional Photographers of America, East Tennessee Professional Photographers and Tennessee Professional Photographers. He was a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) with Professional Photographers of America and earned his Master of Photography (M.Photog.) and Photographic Craftsman (Cr.Photog).

Tyson enjoyed teaching photography and did so through the University of Tennessee and the Smoky Mountain School of Photography, which he, his wife and two other photographers owned. He assisted his wife, Kathy, in her portrait and wedding photography business.

Reading had always been a part of Tyson’s life. He would always have a book, in some format, with him. He was a hobbyist woodworker using the lathe, scroll saw, wood burning and carving tools.

Tyson and Kathy were living in Townsend, as close to the Great Smoky Mountains as they could be, a place he dearly loved.

The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 2 p.m., Saturday, January 29, 2022, at Smith Trinity Chapel.

A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. with Rev. Charles Woodburn officiating. For those attending the visitation or celebration, the family respectfully asks that you wear a mask.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, in Maryville,  Tennesee, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

To send condolences visit www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.