Died January 26, 2021.

Morris Innovative High School, Dalton, GA

Paraprofessional

Obituary:

Jon Chris Smith, age 77, passed away at Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Georgia on January 26, 2021 after losing a month long battle with Covid-19. He was born in Stone Mountain, Georgia to Thelma B. and John Harold Smith. He served two tours of duty in Viet Nam, while he was in the United States Navy and later graduated from the University of Georgia. He also worked in the Athletic Department while he was a student.

After moving to Dalton in 1971 Chris and his wife, Mary L. Smith, taught at North Whitfield High School and subsequently Northwest High School, where he also coached girls basketball, track and football. Chris then left teaching to work in industry at World Carpets, Queen Carpet, Synthetic Industries in Dalton area and later Church Chair in Rome. He finally returned to the career he loved best and had worked for the past several years at Morris Innovative High School in Dalton Public Schools. There he encouraged students to get to the “finish line” in their education and actually graduate from high school and follow their dreams. He was very much appreciated at Morris by students and staff alike. Pam Massengale, assistant principal said, “he was a master at helping students over the “finish line” and she would tell him to work his magic and get a student caught up.”

Chris was preceded in death by his parents Thelma and Harold Smith, son Christopher Blake Smith, and nephew Jason Smith. He is survived by his daughter Holly Smith Lovelace, grandchildren Rella and India, former spouse and good friend, Mary L. Smith all of Cohutta, GA. He is also survived by his brother and wife, Laura and Wade Smith, and niece Stephanie Florea and family all of Cumming, GA. He leaves behind sister and brother in laws Bob and Elaine Campbell, Bill and Beverly Bean, Phillip Little, Dr. James Little and their families.

Due to Covid precautions and the safety of others, there will be no visitation. A private graveside service will be held at Melwood Cemetery in Stone Mountain at a later date. He will buried next to his son, Blake. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Morris Innovative “Finish Line” Fund, 104, Ft. Hill Terrace, Dalton, GA 30721; The Family Support Council, P.O. Box 1707, Dalton, GA 30721 (child abuse prevention.)