It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Virginia Ruth Nichols Smith, 77, of Kingston, formerly of McMinn County. Virginia passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, after a short period of battling cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones.

Virginia was born in Polk County on December 26, 1944, to the late W. Hubert Nichols and the late Bessie Kirkland Nichols Arms. She was saved at the age of ten at Delano Baptist Church and was a member of Eastanallee Baptist Church in Riceville.

Virginia graduated from Polk County High School and was an outstanding basketball player. She was a graduate of McKenzie Business College in Chattanooga and had an extensive secretarial career. In 1980, she was appointed to the office of McMinn County Clerk and Master of Chancery Court, where she served the people of McMinn County with integrity and honor for eighteen years. She received the Certificate of Public Administrator in the Charter Class of the University of Tennessee Institute of Public Service, Local Government Leadership Program. After retirement, she and Buddy enjoyed traveling and did so extensively.

Left behind to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 56 years, Henry D. (Buddy) Smith, Jr.; sister and brother-in-law, Sula and Bobby Jenkins; brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Jenny Smith, L.W. and Pat Smith; nephews and spouses, Jason and Laura Jenkins, Chad and Kristy Smith, Kevin and Holly Smith, Lance and Monica Smith, Terry and Stephanie Smith; niece, Kristy Reinhardt; uncle and aunt, Ben and Marilyn Kirkland. Virginia is also survived by several great-nephews, great-nieces, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly and they loved her. She was a generous and loving friend to all she met.

Funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2022 in the chapel of Bordwine Funeral Home with Dr. Bruce Yates officiating.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., Wednesday prior to the service.

Interment to follow the service in Green Hill Cemetery.