Harlon Gene “Col. Gene” Smith, 85, of Lawrenceburg, TN, passed away on June 26, 2025, at Southern TN Regional Health System. He was born on November 4, 1939, to the late Hampton and Verla Staggs Smith in Lawrenceburg, TN. Harlon served his country honorably in the U.S. Air Force and the TN Army National Guard, receiving the TN National Guard Distinguished Service Medal for saving a fellow guardsman’s life.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Claudine Dupre Smith; two daughters, Verla Martin (Derrick) and Vickie Dyer (Michael); two sons, Virgil Smith (Ruby) and Ralph Smith; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters, Sonya Gallaher and Charlotte Grooms; several nieces, nephews, and one special cousin, D. T. Hughes.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, July 02, 2025, at Neal Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 11:00 AM Thursday, July 03, 2025, with interment at Shady Grove Cemetery in Ethridge, TN with full military honors. The family suggests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Condolences may be sent by way of their website at www.nealfuneralhome.net.