Winfield Joshua "W.J." Smith

Winfield Joshua “W.J.” Smith, age 86 of Paris, TN, passed away Wednesday, February 12, 2020, at his home with his loving wife, Martha Armstrong Smith, of 67 years by his side.  He was born in Humphreys County, TN, on September 16, 1933, to the late Norton Smith and the late Alice Wheeler Smith Wiggam.

He worked for Vaughn Electric Company in Union City, TN, for over 30 years before moving to Paris and working for Plumley Rubber Company for 25 years.  He attended Fairview Baptist Church in Paris.  He had a passion for aviation, was a pilot, and rebuilt two private airplanes that he flew for years.  He always enjoyed his family farm in Humphreys County.

Along with his wife, he is also survived by his daughter, Vivian (Steve) May of Hurricane Mills, TN; his son, Carnell (Cathy) Smith of Paris, TN; four grandchildren, Angela Smith Kellum, Justin Smith, Laura (Brian) Knighton, and Joshua (Amanda) May; eight great grandchildren, Dominic Johnson, Darius Johnson, Eli Kellum, Ethan Kellum, Evan Kellum, Easton Kellum, Olivia Smith, and Gabriella Smith; one brother, Norton E. (Yvonne) Smith of Plymouth, MI; special niece, Belinda Brockwell of Martin, TN; and several other nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by one sister, LaVerne Cruce of Canton, MI; and his stepfather, Glen Wiggam.

Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street, Paris, TN.  Visitation will be Saturday, February 15, 2020, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Ridgeway Funeral Home, and continue Sunday, February 16, 2020, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm.  The funeral service will be Sunday, February 16, 2020, at 2:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home, with Dr. Johnathan Smith officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Justin Smith, Josh May, Dominic Johnson, Darius Johnson, Brian Knighton, and Rickie Brockwell.  Named a honorary pallbearers are Darrell Dugger and David Miller.

Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Paris, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:  Fairview Baptist Church, 114 Memorial Drive, Paris, TN 38242   or   Paris Quota Club Scholarship Fund, PO Box 301, Paris, TN 38242.