Terrell "Terry" Lee Smith passed away at his home in Pagosa Springs, CO, on Saturday, December 19 with his wife Charlene at his side.  Terry had been diagnosed with adenocarcinoma in September, 2020.  He was 69.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Anna May (Taylor) Smith, Kramer and Sister, Marlena (Smith) Thomas, Oxford.

Terry earned his associate degree from Sams Technical Institute (ITT) in 1971.  He began an illustrious career in telecommunications, working for Western Electric (which became Lucent and later Alcatel-Lucent).  His work spanned the areas of quality control, system testing, customer field support and network testing.  Terry won multiple awards and honors with the pinnacle being his appointment to Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, the highest attainable rank for a technical employee.  He was an acknowledged expert in the telecommunications field and a beloved colleague to many.

Terry retired in 2011.  He and Charlene moved from the Midwest to Pagosa Springs, where he truly loved the canyon view from the back of their home.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Charlene (nee Turnpaugh) Smith, Pagosa Springs, CO; sons, Kenneth (Amanda) Smith, Boulder, CO and Michael (Erin) Smith, Montgomery, IL; Grandson, Austin Smith, Montgomery, IL; Sister, Janice (Herb) Larson, Attica; and a brother-in-law, Ed Thomas, Oxford.

No funeral service is planned at this time but a celebration of life will be held once it is safe to gather again.  Arrangements are being handled by Hood Mortuary, Pagosa Springs, CO. www.hoodmortuary.com Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.