Mr. Marion Otis Smith 80, of Rock Island, TN, died Wednesday, November 30, 2022 at his residence. He was born on September 24, 1942 in Fairburn, Georgia, was an author of several books and contributed to several other books with information about numerous caves, was a member of the National Speleological Society (N.S.S.) and the Southeastern Cave Conservancy, attributed time to the Tennessee Cave Survey, and was a historian.

He is survived by his significant other Sharon Jones of Rock Island and was preceded in death by his father Otis Smith and his mother Bernice Stephens Chaffin.

Funeral services were conducted December 10, 2022, in the McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Friends officiated. Interment followed at Laurel Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either the National Speleological Society or the Southeastern Cave Conservancy.

Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com

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