Phillip Howard Smith, 73 of Cookeville, Tennessee passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2018, at his home after years of a long illness.
Phillip was born Saturday, July 29, 1944 in Cookeville, Tennessee, he was the son of the late Rev. H.B. and Alma (Davis) Smith.
Phillip retired from General Motor Company in Doraville, Georgia. He later worked at Baxter Elementary School as a custodian. In the early 70's Phillip wrestled under several assumed names. Mr. Fang, Howie Smith and also a tag team, The Destroyer and The Cowboy and Mule Skinner. He was acquainted with the "Great Andre the Giant", Tommy Wildfire Rich, The Hart Boys and several other during his wrestling career.
Phillip is survived by:
Wife: Carolyn Maynard Smith
Daughter: Donna and Mike Capozzoli
3 Sons: Dwayne and Renee Smith
David and Tammy Smith
Daniel and Tonya Smith
3 Stepdaughters: April and Sam Gaylord
Christina and Matt Groneck
Ashlea Mitchell
21 Grandchildren: Lindsey, Kristen, Ciara, Amber, Felecia, Megan, Dylan, Ashlee, Chandler, Gracelyn, Addison, Rhendi, Stetson, McKenzie, Parker, Tristan, Jacob, Thaddeus, Nikki, Tyler, and Hannah.
10 Great-Grandchildren
Sister: Tena and Lloyd Howard
3 Nieces: Angie, Missy, and Amy
3 Nephews: George, Darren, and Tony
In addition to his parents, Phillip was preceded in death by: Granddaughter, Madison.
Funeral Service for Phillip Howard Smith will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018 from the chapel of Crest Lawn Funeral Home with his son David Michael Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Shipley Cemetery in Cookeville, Tennessee.
The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 10, 2018, at Crest Lawn Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phillip Howard Smith, please visit our
Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
