Murrel Edward Smith

Murrel Edward Smith, 63, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 5, 2023 after a long battle with lymphoma. Murrel was born in March of 1960 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Lewis Clayton Smith and Margaret Ann Gray. He grew up in Chattanooga and was a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan. He met his beloved wife, Dawn, of 39 years in 1982 while writing letters penned as “Doc” to his “Shortcake” during their time living in Louisiana. They moved to Lookout Mountain and enjoyed many camping trips, throwing darts at Mayo’s Clinic, and spending time with friends and family. In January of 1984, they married and moved to Mississippi where Murrel began his career as an elevator mechanic for Dover Elevator. Murrel spent 41 years in the elevator industry and was known for his knowledge of the trade and his craftsmanship. He believed in a long days work and doing everything the right way the first time. In his later years, he enjoyed sitting on the porch drinking coffee with his dog Jagger, spending time by the pool with his family, reading, writing, and listening to music. He was known as many things: a devoted husband, father, brother, son, and friend but his favorite title was “Papaw.” He was overjoyed spending time with his grandson Forrest and watching him grow.

Murrel is preceded in death by his father Lewis Clayton Smith, mother Margaret Ann Gray, and brother James Lewis Smith.

Murrel is survived by his wife Dawn Hall Smith, daughter Summer Smith-Tadlock (Christopher), and grandson Forrest Edward Tadlock along with a host of sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

Services will not be held but friends and family will gather for a private memorial.