Earl Lee Jacobs

Earl Lee Jacobs (91), of Lenoir City, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones,
Monday, November 13th, 2023 at the University of Tennessee Medical Center.
Earl L. Jacobs was born June 18th, 1932 in Clinton, North Carolina to Mr. Ottis Smith
and Mrs. Eva Faye Smith. After marrying his wife Nellie Ruth (Kerr) Jacobs in 1962;
Lenoir City, TN became his home. Earl was an E-7 Sergeant First Class (SFC) in The
United States Army and served for 34 years. He went on to retire from TVA (32 years),
Fort Loudon Terminal (19 years) and as a surveyor throughout East Tennessee.
Besides spending time with family and friends, Earl was known as a quiet, outgoing, and
hard-working man who loved his cats. He enjoyed outdoor activities, reading and
Westerns. Earl was well-known, respected, and loved in his community and will truly be
missed.

Earl is preceded in death by his son, Earl David Jacobs. Parents: Ottis Smith and Eva
Faye Smith. Grandparents: Pleasant Buntin and Grover Cleveland Jacobs. Brothers: Sam
Smith and James Edward Smith and Sister Eva M. Morrisey.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61.5 years Nellie Ruth (Kerr) Jacobs.
Daughters: Ima Langley and Ruth (Charles) Lawrence. Grandchildren: Michael Langley,
Christopher Langley and Cetera Jacobs. Sisters: Sallie M. Jenkins of Delaware, Peggy
Rogers of Maryland, Helen Wright (Jessie) of Maryland, Bernita Smith of North
Carolina, Jacqueline Smith of Florida. Brothers: Ottis Smith Jr. (Merian) of North
Carolina, Thomas R. Smith of Maryland. Devoted Sister in Law Christine (Richard)
Burchfield and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff of the East 12th Floor of The
University of Tennessee Medical Center for all their care and support.
The family will receive friends from 2pm-3pm Monday November 20th, 2023 at Mother
Love Baptist Church (3919 Wrights Ferry Rd, Louisville TN 37777); with memorial
services to follow. Immediately following service, a Military Honors Burial will be held
at Hackney Chapel (Hackney Chapel Rd, Lenoir City 37772).
This week, family and friends may gather at the home of niece, Toletha Davis (4121
Murphy Ave, Rockford TN 37853).