Neil G. Smith

MEMPHIS - Neil G. Smith peacefully passed away in his sleep January 11, 2021 surrounded by his two daughters.

He was born to George Barnie and Evie Sue (Garrett) Smith on August 28, 1929. He loved maps and history, but especially Memphis history, and spoke fondly of old buildings and neighborhoods and what they had been like in the past. He graduated from Tech High School and then attended Memphis State College to earn his Bachelor’s of Science majoring in Geography. He became a city planner working for Harland Bartholomew & Associates in St. Louis, Missouri and Ashtabula, Ohio. From there, he returned to Memphis to work for the Memphis-shelby County Planning Commission.

Neil married Patricia Ann (Freeman) Smith who passed away in September 2019. They were married for 55 years and had two daughters, Valerie (Kenny) Hight, and Linley Schmidt (Jonathan Mccarver).

Singing was his gift and he loved to do it. During his life he joined a barbershop quartet, sang in the choir at Second Presbyterian Church, and performed with the choral group at Mcwherter Senior Center.

Neil enjoyed his daily crossword puzzle, a good pun, reading the newspaper comics, reading, long naps, and a good laugh. He will be missed by many.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his brother, Richard Smith. He is survived by his two daughters and five grandchildren.

The visitation will be held Friday, January 22, from 10:00 a.m. until the service time at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Memphis Symphony Orchestra (memphissymphony.org) or Methodist Hospice Residence (methodisthealth.org).