Henry F. "Hank" Smith

Henry F. “Hank” Smith, 79, a resident of Cleveland, passed away Friday, July 24, 2015 at the family residence. His parents are the late Henry F. Smith Sr. and Anna Zamkus Smith. He was also preceded in death in 1975 by his first wife Rita Hellmuth Smith. Hank was a native of Chicago, Illinois.Hank spent eighteen years in the insurance industry, obtaining the designation of Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter. In 1962, he became associated with the McDonald’s Insurance Program where he pioneered the Package Policy Program for Restaurants and working with the Keeler Agency, served as the insurance manager for McDonald’s corporation and licensees. On March 7, 1973, he, together with his wife and four children, opened his first McDonald’s in Cleveland, Tennessee.Hank had an extraordinary career spanning over half a century in the restaurant industry, which included over four decades as a McDonald’s Owner Operator. He continually demonstrated a ceaseless passion for excellence in extraordinary customer service. His dedication for excellence set the standard and pace for others to follow.Serving as Chairman of multiple organizations, Hank led the following: The McDonald’s National Operators Advisory Board for the Atlanta and Nashville Regions; National Operators Advisory Board Chairman 1978-1980; Operators National Advertising Board Representative-again for both the Atlanta and Nashville Regions; Regional Operators Advertising Board Chairman; Chattanooga Co-Op President; Nashville Region Board of Directors; and was very active over the years with Muscular Dystrophy and McDonald’s All American High School Band. Hank was the recipient of two Golden Hat awards from McDonalds Hamburger University, Chairman of the Tennessee Operators Association; Recipient of the Ronald Award, Member of the Atlanta Regional Leadership Council, Chairman of McDonalds Owner/Operator Insurance Company, and a member of National Operations Insurance Task Force.Hank has always been a highly visible member of the local business communities. He was a true philanthropist who was highlighted in the community and wherever travels would lead him! The following are examples of his generous spirit: President of the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce, Cleveland Country Club, Cleveland State Community College Foundation, United Way, Lions Club, Elks Club, Bradley Memorial Hospital Foundation, founding father and “Chairman Emeritus” of Ronald McDonald House of Chattanooga, and the recipient of numerous local recognitions including Businessman’s Free Enterprise Award from the Chamber of Commerce.Hank was extremely active in grass roots level of community support programs, was involved with the DECA Programs, Special Olympics, Chattanooga Symphony concerts for the youth of his community, adopt-a-school programs, area high schools athletic and band boosters scholarship programs, including establishing a ‘perpetual” scholarship at Cleveland State Community College, and more.He is survived by his loving wife of thirty-seven years Kathreen Lorenz Smith. His children: Lieutenant Colonel Henry F. Smith Jr., USAF (Ret.) and wife Julie, Mark E. Smith, Doctor Mary Beth Wilson and husband Bryan, Susan S. Dodge and husband Tom, and Doctor Michelle C. Dunn. His grandchildren: Rachel G. Smith, Henry F. Smith IV, Matthew J. Smith and wife Danielle, Melissa Barnett and husband Ben, Caroline Mickey and husband Brian, Second Lieutenant Stefanie Hoffer USAF, Stephen H. Wilson, Sarah E. Wilson, and Kameron C. Dunn. Great grandchildren: Graham S. Barnett, and Elizabeth C. Smith. His brother: Alden Smith and his wife Gail. Bill and Bobbie Lorenz Family and special friends: Raymond and Rosemary White, Lala Davis, and Greg and Mary Jo White.A Remembrance of Life Memorial Mass will be held at one o’clock in the afternoon Tuesday at St. Therese Catholic Church. The Reverend Father Joseph P. Breen and Father Michael Nolan will officiate the service. The family will receive friends Monday from four until eight in the evening at the North Ocoee St. Chapel of the Jim Rush Funeral Homes with a Rosary service at eight pm. We encourage you to share your memories and or condolences with Hank’s family by going to www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com.Most importantly to him was his unconditional Love of God, family and his Chicago Cubs! The world is a better place, because he touched so many lives in such a special way! We will miss you……In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House, 200 Central Ave. Chattanooga Tn37403 or to St. Therese Catholic Church Building Fund, 900 Clingan Ridge Dr. NW, Cleveland TN. 37312Read Obituary