Wanda Garner Smith

Henderson, TN: Wanda Lou Garner Smith, 77, passed away Friday, June 24th, West Tennessee Health Care, Jackson TN. She was born in Garnertown TN, July 2, 1938.

She was the daughter of the late Ethel (Mays) Garner and Bill Garner. She is survived by her husband Robert Neal Smith of Henderson and two sons, Robert Alan (Robin) Smith and wife Lisa and William Stacy Smith and wife Casey all of Henderson, two sisters, Freda (Bobby) Butler of Lexington: Judy (Don) Eads, of Brentwood: by five grandchildren, Brook (Nate) Denson of Memphis, Brittany Crocker, Baylee Smith, Rylee Smith and Taylor Jones of Henderson: by one great grandchild, Blakely Crocker of Henderson.
She was predeceased by a brother, Dewey Paschal, and two sisters, LaDonna Garner and Billie Williams

In 1959 she married Robert Neal Smith of Henderson and became a life-long resident of Chester County. In the 1960’s and 70’s she and Neal owned and operated a cotton gin in the Beech Bluff Community in Madison County. In 1968 she began a long career in radio with WHHM which endeared her to the community, many non-profit organizations and individuals. She purchased WHHM in 1988 and converted a 1580 AM station to 107.7 FM. She was owner and operator of 107.7 FM radio station till 2003. She also worked at Casey Funeral Home, and later at Chester County Bank until she retired in 2010.

In 1968 she organized the first Talk-A-Thon and Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society. She served as Chair of Relay for Life for 3 years and while under her leadership, Chester County Relay for Life was 2nd in the U.S. for per capita dollars raised.

She was recognized by the Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of the Year, and by Civitan as Volunteer of the Year. For leadership and dedication to their community, she and her husband, Neal Smith, were recognized as Mr. and Mrs. Chester County. She also served as President of the Auxiliary of the Order of the Elks.

In promotion of Chester County, Wanda helped develop the concept and planned the annual Chester County BBQ Festival for several years. She also helped Neal promote fund raising events for county-wide volunteer fire departments, providing complimentary publicity on WHHM and working on site to broadcast each event.

Both Wanda and Neal were active in the centennial festivities of both Chester County and Henderson. In 1986 for the Tennessee centennial and Homecoming Tennessee, she conducted many on air interviews of community leaders and worked behind the scenes on event planning. Subsequently, Governor Ned McWherter proclaimed “Wanda Smith Day” in Chester County, which included a parade and attendance by US Senator Jim Sasser.

Wanda attended Henderson Church of Christ and was a member of the Prime Time Sunday School class.

Funeral Services will be held at Henderson Church of Christ, Henderson, TN at 11 AM on Monday, June 27, 2016 with Brother Billy Smith and Brother Ben Flatt officiating. Visitation will be held at Shackleford- Casey Funeral Home, Henderson, TN on Sunday, June 26, 2016 from 5-9 PM and again at the Henderson Church of Christ on Monday, June 27, 2016 from 9-11 AM. Burial will be at the Henderson City Cemetery following funeral services.

Shackelford Funeral Directors - Casey Chapel
Henderson, TN 731-989-2421