Geoffrey Smith

Geoffrey Smith, 78, of Rutledge TN (formerly Frankfort IN), passed away with his family by his side, at Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at Fort Sanders of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Geoff was born February 8, 1944 in Frankfort, Indiana to the late Dr. Thurman L. and Dorothy A. (Dennis) Smith.  He was a 1962 graduate of Frankfort High School where he was an accomplished member of the band.  Geoff originally went to Indiana University for dentistry but found his calling in teaching.  While attending IU, he was a member of the Acacia fraternity. Geoff earned Bachelors and Masters degrees in Education.

After college Geoff returned to Clinton County to teach starting in 67’at Kirklin and continued on to Clinton Central after the school consolidation where he primarily taught math, history, and science for the 6th grade elementary school.  He was a coach for track, basketball, and football as well as doing the stats for high school football and basketball.  Geoff was very active in statewide student council leadership throughout his years of teaching. Geoff wrote a sports article for the Frankfort Times with Boris the cat for several years.  Geoff was an antique dealer, real estate broker ,and an auctioneer for many years and was well known throughout Clinton County.  Geoff was named “Person of the Year” by the Frankfort Times in 2000.

Geoff was a member of the First Baptist church in Dandridge TN where he sang in the choir. Geoff was an avid fisherman and a member of the Uhl pottery society.

Geoff was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 54 years, Jean in January of 2022 and his brother Dr. L. Dennis Smith in March of 2021. Survived by his two children, Sean Smith (wife: Tracy) of Saint Paul, IN and Samantha Cooper (husband: Jon) of Seymour, TN and 3 siblings, Brenda Gaskins of Westfield, IN, Leslie Mohlke (husband: Robb) of Virginia and Jennie Otterman (husband: Chris) of Noblesville, IN.  Geoff loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Danielle Smith, Taylor Smith, and Kaylee Smith. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort.  Funeral services will be held 12pm, Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at the funeral home.  A livestream of the funeral service will be available online for those who would like to join virtually.  Burial will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery.  While flowers are always welcome, the family requests memorials be made to the “G. L. and Jean Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund” - http://www.cfclinton.org.  Messages of condolence may be left at www.gendafuneralhome.com.