Phillip H. Smith, 86, of Cherokee, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Mission Hospital. Phillip is the son of the late Noah Smith and Stella Sneed. Phillip retired from the education industry as a teacher and coach and had formerly served as a Assistant Superintendent and had been elected as a Tribal Council Member of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. He earned a bachelor’s of education degree from Western Carolina University and a master’s of education degree from the University of Tennessee. He is also a United States Army Veteran who served during the Korean War as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Phillip is survived by his wife of 44 years, Lillie Mae Tooni Smith and children, Kathi, Jan, Phyll, Duke, Laura and Arlyce; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; siblings, John, Susie and Phyllis; special friend, Ray Kinsland and many former student-athletes. Phillip is also preceded in death by a sister, Georgia Washington and brothers, Oscar Smith and William “Pat” Smith.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7 from 5pm-7pm at the Acquoni Baptist Church fellowship hall.
Long House Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.