Elton Ray "Toad" Smith

Click here to view the Funeral Service Webcast for Mr. Toad Smith.

Mr. Elton Ray “Toad” Smith, age 91, of McEwen, TN, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at TriStar Horizon Medical Center, in Dickson, TN. He was born on September 17, 1933, in McEwen, TN, to Blain Solomon Smith and Beulah Mae Curtis Smith. He graduated from Barber College on December 25, 1952, and was the Barber and Owner of Toad’s Barber Shop. He joined the United States Marine Corps in May 1955 until April 1959 and was a Corporal at his Honorable Discharge. Toad married the love of his life, Evie Jean Rainey Smith, on October 25, 1958, while he was home on leave from the Marine Corps. He was a member of McEwen church of Christ and served as Deacon and taught the Youth Group for many years. On May 5, 1972, he graduated from the Police Academy and was a Police Officer for the City of Waverly for 10 years. He was the oldest living survivor of the February 24, 1978 Train Explosion and Disaster in Waverly. From 1994 to 2006, he was the Humphreys County Sheriff Department’s Bailiff and was assigned to protect the Judge during trials at the Humphreys County Courthouse in Waverly. He was a loving husband for 65 years, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great-great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Elton “Toad” Smith was a Marine, a true Public Servant, American Treasure, Hero, Legend, Teacher, Historian, and Storyteller.

Visitation will be Monday, September 1, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Humphreys County Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Humphreys County Funeral Home with Bro. Jim Suddeath and Bro. Billy Buttrey officiating.

Survivors:

Sons:

Terry Ray Smith (Cindy) of McEwen, TN

Timothy Lynn Smith (Cathy) of McEwen, TN

Daughter:

Melanie Byrd (Wendell) of Brighton, TN

Honorary Daughter:

Sandy Ross of New Johnsonville, TN

Lifelong Friend:

Sarah Bell of McEwen, TN

Grandchildren:

Rusty, Alicia, Jessica, Taylor, Tannen, Dillon, Dallas, Nicky, Chris, and Tabatha 

Great Grandchildren:

Gavin, Morgan, Taylor, Dalton, Austin, Chelsea, Bristyl, Destiny, Joanna, Lexi, Heath, Gabe, Lia, and Ellie

Great-Great Grandson:

Seth

Many Loving Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:

Loving Wife of 65 Years: Evie Jean Rainey Smith

Grandson: Dakota Byrd

Parents: Blain and Beulah Smith

Brother: Theodore Smith

Sister: Maudie Smith Hooper

Nephew: James Edward Rainey

Niece: Odessia Fay Hooper

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: McEwen church of Christ Youth Fund, P.O. Box 256, McEwen, TN 37101. You may also leave your donations at Humphreys County Funeral Home and we will gladly forward them for you.

Arrangements by Humphreys County Funeral Home (931) 296-5955