Paul "Brian" Smith, 42, of Killen, was welcomed home by his LORD and SAVIOUR on February 19, 2013 after a 26 month battle with pancreatic cancer. Brian fought the fight, and walked the walk of being a Christian. Brian praised the LORD and gave HIM all the honor and glory throughout his battles of life. He was one of the most caring and genuine people you would ever meet.
Brian enjoyed loving, laughing and spending as much time with his children as he could. He attended Faith Church, and was a 1989 graduate of Brooks High School; he last worked at Pettey Machine Works in Trinity. Brian began racing lawnmowers in 2007 to pass the time, he began using mower racing as a tool in witnessing to people for the LORD. Brian was a member of the Bama Tennessee Lawn Mower Racing Association, where his username on their forum was "Follower of Jesus".
Visitation will be Friday, February 22, 2013, 5-8 PM at Elkins East Chapel. Funeral services will be Saturday, February 23, 2013, at 11 AM at Elkins East Chapel, with Bro. Tommy James and Bro. Mike Nash officiating.
Brian was preceded in death by an infant son, Gregory Smith.
He is survived by two precious children Emily Abigail "Abbey" Smith and Jonathan Brilee Smith whom he fought for and told them frequently "that his love was immeasurable for them," parents Paul L. and Gloria M. Smith, Killen, brother Curt Smith (Tammie), Killen, sisters Kim Cawthron (Jim), Rogersville, and Gloria Ayn Goar (Chris), Killen, Nieces Lindsey Dill (Shandy), Annie Cawthron, Terah Smith, Bre Goar, Nephews Sawyer Smith and Will Cawthron; great-niece Charlotte Dill, special friends Bill and Brenda Morrow and host of other friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Sheelvanth and the wonderful staff at Midwestern Regional Medical Center (Cancer Treatment Centers of America) in Zion, Illinois for all their dedication that gave us 26 more months with Brian. Dr. Dorene Morris and Dr. Jason Wilkes, the care 6th West at ECM gave when he was admitted from time to time, Paula, Kim and Tracy of Gentiva Hospice. Thank you to Faith Church for the support you have given over the past, and continue to give.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to help research pancreatic cancer KNOW IT, FIGHT IT, END IT@ www.pancan.org or donate to the patient assistance program at Midwestern Regional Medical Hospital (CTCA), ATTN: Assistance in Healthcare, 2520 Elisha Avenue, Zion, IL 60099.