Obituary of Spurgeon Terry Smith

Spurgeon Terry Smith, a resident of Ozark, died Saturday, March 15, 2025, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was 76 years old. A memorial service for Mr. Smith will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Bethel Methodist Church with his son, Blake Smith, officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. Terry was born on August 7, 1948, in Dale County, Alabama, to Spurgeon Coley Smith and Oleta Yarborough Smith, who passed during his childhood. His father remarried Nell McDaniel Smith, who embraced him with love and care, raising him as her own child. Terry graduated from Dale County High School in 1966 and married Evelyn Diane Hartzog on July 12, 1968. Terry was a builder and started his own company, Terry Smith Construction, which built custom homes. Terry also restored antique furniture for his wife's antique shop, "Eva's," in Ozark. Terry and Lyn later moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he worked for the City of Knoxville until his retirement. They moved back to Ozark to be with family. Terry was a carpenter and handyman who could fix anything. He learned the art of a prankster from his father Spurgeon. In all probability, Terry has either fixed something for you or played a well thought out prank on you, or both. He and his wife Lyn were Die-Hard Auburn fans who enjoyed watching Auburn football and basketball games together. Terry also enjoyed playing softball and basketball. His love for sports, his boys, and their friends led him to build a basketball court where he spent many Sundays playing with 'the boys'. Everyone was welcome on the court, in his home, and at his table, and many came. He was a member of the Mt. Enon Baptist Church and the close-knit community around it. He later attended Southside Baptist Church in Ozark before moving to Tennessee. Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Spurgeon Coley Smith, Oleta Joyce Yarborough Smith, and Myra Nell McDaniel Smith; one son, Clifford Terry Smith; one sister, Charlene Blanche Smith Ferrell (Richard); two brothers, Jerry Edwin Smith and Larry Simeon Smith (Phillis); and one brother-in-law, Henry Haynes. Terry is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Evelyn Diane Hartzog Smith of Ozark; two sons, Clint Smith (Angie) of Ozark and Blake Smith (Megan) of Montgomery; two sisters, Margie Haynes of Dothan, and Sue Brown (Scott) of Ozark; one brother, Mark Smith of Ozark; sister-in-law, Dorothy Smith of Hayneville; five granddaughters, Jessica Kate Smith, Samantha Morgan Smith, Emma Kate Smith, Maddie Grace Smith, and Lilly Samantha Smith; and a devoted cat, Sadie. The family would like to express their gratitude to all the healthcare workers and friends who provided love and support this past year, especially Andrew and Shakila. You all meant so much to Terry. God’s love shines through you all. Thank you.