Mr. Thomas Paul Close, age 89, of Smithville passed away Sunday night, April 10, 2022 at his home. 

Paul was born on August 27, 1932 in Liberty to his parents, the late Elmer and Alta Page Close. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ruetta Kirby Close; three brothers, Ed, Hoyte and Odis Close; five sisters sisters, Barbie Spencer, Opal Cantrell, Drusie Meyers, Jo Kania and Mary Damali.

Paul worked for TRW (Ross Gear) for over 33 years before he retired and he was a lifelong farmer. He attended Mt. Herman Baptist Church and was a member of Snow Hill Baptist Church. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. 

Survivors include two sons, Phillip (Sue) Close and Richard (Gina) Close all of Smithville; four grandchildren, Shayne (Kevin) Pitts of Knoxville, Chris (Kelly) Close of Murfreesboro, Caden Close and Conner Close both of Smithville; four great grandchildren, Aaron Close and Hannah Close both of Murfreesboro, Leah Pitts and Madeline Pitts both of Knoxville; two sisters, Margie (AW) Patterson of Mt. Juliet and Doris Estes of Smithville; and sister-in-law, Jo Puckett of Smithville. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.   

Funeral service was be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 from the Chapel of Love-Cantrell Funeral Home. Bro. Mike Gay and Bro. Jonathan Willoughby officiated with burial following at DeKalb Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Caden, Conner, Chris, Jimmy and Aaron Close, Darrell Kirby and Kevin Pitts

In addition to flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mt. Herman Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Hospital. 

Love-Cantrell Funeral Home, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Smithville Review

(Smithville, Tenn.)

April 20, 2022