OBITUARY: Carey Smith

Carey Lynn Smith, age 63 of Lebanon, passed away on December 24, 2025 surrounded by his loving friends and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey Smith Sr. and Pauline Smith and brother, Aubrey Smith Jr. He is survived by his wife, Darla Smith; daughters, Samantha (Amanda) Cabey-Smith and Brittany (Cole) Langley; sister, Teresa (Al) Mitchell; sister-in-law, Karon Smith as well as many other loving family members.

Born & raised in Huntsville, AL, Carey was the epitome of a cowboy. He believed in hard work, integrity, loyalty and humility. He was kind, kept his promises and never backed down from a fight. He believed in doing things the right way, no shortcuts. Which is why a 15 minute job always took 3 hours. In a cowboy hat and boots, he was truly larger than life.

Carey lived life with a quick wit, sarcastic humor and a deep love for anything Jeep. He owned many over the years and liked to brag he only turned one over twice. He loved to work on them and built many from the ground up. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing with friends and shooting at the range. He was good with a gun like all respectable cowboys.

Later in life, he discovered Ham radio and a group of men that enjoyed it as well. He was able to speak with people all over the world and many Saturday nights were spent checking in on the “net”. Saturday mornings were spent at the Golden Corral swapping tall tales and solving world problems.

Carey didn’t follow sports except for Auburn football. He always said his favorite teams were Auburn and whoever was playing the University of Alabama. War Eagle!

While he could be set in his ways, which is a kind way of saying he was stubborn and hard headed, he also gave his family and friends something invaluable: memories of a life well lived and love given without hesitation. Carey’s loves included his wife, Darla, the little blonde he had his eye on, and his daughters Samantha and Brittany and their respective spouses, Amanda and Cole. He looked forward to taking them to the beach every summer, wanting to retire there someday. He hated cold weather so trips to the mountains were only in the middle of the summer. He only went white water rafting one time and after ingesting half the water in the Ocoee, he said never again. He loved his dogs almost as much as his kids. He had many over the years but loved none more than Bear, Bodhi, Tonks and Patches. Bear will miss him the most and the other 3 will be waiting for him at heaven’s gates.

Carey’s love for family and friends was only surpassed by his faith and love of Jesus. He shared the gospel with as many people as possible including complete strangers. We have no doubt he heard the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant” when he arrived at heaven’s gates. If he could have had one wish granted, it would be for everyone to know Jesus Christ as their own Lord & Savior.

Visitation for Mr. Carey will take place December 29th from 11 am until the funeral service at noon at Partlow Funeral Chapel. Rev. Terry Allen will officiate the service. Joe Dooley, Richard Payne, Greg Alders, Robert Mullin, Justin Meyers and Wes Mullins will serve as pallbearers. Following interment at Cedar Grove Cemetery, all are invited to a gathering of friends and family at The Wild Turkey Ranch to celebrate Carey’s life (5750 E. Richmond Shop Rd., Lebanon, TN 37090). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carey’s memory to New Leash on Life (507 Jim Draper Blvd., Lebanon, TN 37087) or a charity of your choice.