Kermit Lee SmithRinggold

Kermit Lee Smith Jr., age 84, of Ringgold, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, July 6, 2025. Known affectionately as “Joe” to his family and “Shorty” to his coworkers, Kermit lived a life full of dedication, service, and craftsmanship. He spent his early years in Ohio and Kentucky before settling in Ringgold in 1967, the place he would proudly call home for nearly six decades. Kermit served his country honorably in the United States Navy aboard the USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14). He attended Woodstation Methodist Church and was deeply involved in the Boy Scouts of America for over thirty years, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 77. He worked as a fabricator and welder at Signal Machine for 44 years before retiring—a testament to his strong work ethic and skilled hands. Outside of work, Kermit found joy in woodworking, camping, gardening, and crafting his signature homemade chow chow and chili. He enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid fisherman and motorcycle rider. Kermit was a man of many talents who touched countless lives; he was deeply loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years and the mother of his children, Bonnie Smith; his parents, Kermit L. Smith Sr. and Irene Hart Smith; three brothers; and a beloved great granddaughter, Reagan.
Kermit is survived by his wife, Sandy Ellis, that he has spent the last sixteen years with; his children, Chris (Dayna), Dona (A.J.), Wenda (Mark), Clifford (Kai), Cassandra (Shawn), Nathaniel (Amy), Thomas (Melissa); siblings, Mike, Bob, Dan, and Tink; sixteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, July 9, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 3:00 p.m. at Wilson Funeral Homes, Wallis–Stewart Chapel in Ringgold. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, with Pastor Bill Gardner officiating in the Wallis – Stewart Chapel of Wilson Funeral Homes. Interment will follow in Woodstation Cemetery. Online guest book at www.wilsonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wilson Funeral Homes Wallis – Stewart Chapel, Ringgold, Georgia.