LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The sad news of the passing of Cooster Smith came in to WLAF on Thursday morning. Smith passed away following a brief illness according to a family friend.

Paul “Cooster” Smith

Though he retired from Smith Hardware years ago, the Smith name still graces the legendary hardware store in the heart of La Follette.

Smith Hardware was started in 1933 by Smith’s grandfather W.T. Smith. Cooster thought the store might actually even be older than that.

More stories and Charlie Hutson photos on the life of Cooster Smith are coming from WLAF.

Funeral arrangements are available HERE.

Paul M. “Cooster” Smith was 96-years old. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 07/02/2021-6AM)

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