Mr. John Russell "Rusty" Smith, III, age 51, of McMinnville, TN, died Sunday, December 03, 2023, at LeConte Medical Center in Sevierville, TN. He was born on January 12, 1972 in Marks, Mississippi, was a crew leader in the gas division of Memphis Lights, Gas, & Water (MLGW), a member of Broadway Baptist in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and attended First Baptist Church of McMinnville. Rusty enjoyed cooking, barbequing, and traveling. He was preceded in death by his father John Russell Smith, II, paternal grandparents Mattie and John Russell Smith, Sr., maternal grandparents Ray Partin and Jessie Bouldin, father-in-law Wendell Newby, mother-in-law Rhonda Newby, and brother-in-law Cole Newby.

Survivors include his wife Shelley Newby Smith, children Chase Smith (Camryn Cassidy), Gage Smith, and Londyn Smith, mother and stepfather Janice (Billy) Carlisle, stepmother Coral Smith, siblings Brandi Lepard, Shane (Annette) Carlisle, Anthony Smith, Symantha (Randall) Aldridge, Jason (Kelly) Stull, and Candy Tillman, brother-in-law Craig (Sadie) Newby, sister-in-law Ashlyn Newby, aunts Vickie Simpson and Lenna Read (Charles McCormick), uncle Tim (Sandy) Bouldin, special cousin David Knight, and lots of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services were conducted December 07, 2023, in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Pastor Jeff Owens officiated. Interment followed at Centertown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Londyn Smith account at Regions Bank.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com

McMinnville Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. 931-473-6606.