John Smith, vice president of operations for Franke Foodservice Systems passed away April 23 after an extended illness. John Smith

Smith spent 47 years with the company, having started as an assembler on the production line at Franke's predecessor company, Progressive Inc., in Philadelphia.

Smith is survived by his wife, Debra, 6 children and 12 grandchildren. Services were held at Fayetteville, Tenn. Memorials may be made to REACH of Lincoln County, Tennessee, local Autism Awareness groups, or Motlow State Community College Foundation.