Reese Smith Jr. exemplifies the consummate sports fan. Be it as player or patron, he always gave his all. Smith played football at Middle Tennessee State University for one year before leaving school to join the infantry during World War II. He never returned to school, forming his own successful construction company instead.
Smith played softball during the 1950s, and his exploits led to his induction into the Nashville Fast Pitch Softball Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the MTSU Blue Raider Hall of Fame. Because of his support, the baseball complex on the MTSU campus bears his name. So does the athletic complex at David Lipscomb High School and the Bellevue Little League and Babe Ruth Park.
Smith was a founder and part owner of the Nashville Sounds and part owner of half a dozen other minor league clubs. In addition, he was part owner and manager of the Old Nashville Speedway and sponsored numerous racing teams. Smith had a fine career in the Tennessee walking horse industry, winning many trophies and world championships. In recognition of his remarkable record, the Nashville Athletic Club, in 1992, established the Reese Smith Athletic Award which goes to the individual who best exemplifies Smith’s dedication, passion, support, and love for sports.
Reese Smith died at the age of 68, just nine days after collapsing while competing in the International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show at Murfreesboro. Always a friend to Tennessee sports, Reese Smith Jr. is sorely missed, but his devoted legacy remains.