TAZEWELL, Tenn. - Ely Joe Smith, 74, passed away suddenly on the morning of Feb. 10, 2007, at his home.

Born in Daisy, Ky., Mr. Smith had worked as a coal miner, a sawmill operator, a mine foreman, a mining inspector, and finally as a coal operator, before moving to Tennessee where he opened an auto parts store. He treasured his family and friends, and will be long remembered as the consumate storyteller and practical joker.

He will be sorely missed by his wife of 51 years, Mary Elizabeth Oliver Smith and his favorite children Shirley Broughton Robinson (Doug), Debra Jo Riley (Louis), Libby Slusher (James), and Randall (O.T.) Keith Smith (Portia). Grandchildren include Lezlie Jo Slusher McCrory (Patrick), Brendan Slusher, Ian, Tristan and Grant Riley, and Chandler and Corbett Smith.

Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Ransom Smith and Eva Carter Smith, as well as by his siblings, John L. Smith, Odell Smith, Mary Shepherd Cornett, three infant siblings, and half-sister, Patricia Smith Thompson.

Survivors include half-siblings Oscar and Estil Smith, Linda Smith, Paul Smith, and Lora E. Asher; step-mother, Celeste Smith; ex-wife Cleda McNulty Smith, and a host of friends.

Mr. Smith was a 50+ year member of the Nolan Masonic Lodge #806.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at the Claiborne Funeral Home with funeral services to follow at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Eddie Overholt and Rev. Jim Blevins officiating. Music by The Cedar Grove Baptist Church choir. Pallbearers will be his grandsons. Honorary pallbearer, Ray McKinney.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Green Hills Memorial Gardens in Middlesboro, Ky., with Masonic services. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.

Claiborne Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements