Wendle E. Smith

Wendle E. Smith, 89, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025, in Gallatin, Tennessee. Wendle was born on March 3, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee to Ralph and Margaret Ann (Hawkins) Englert, Sr.

Wendle was a 1954 graduate of Issac Litton High School in Nashville, Tennessee. While at Litton, she played women’s basketball and during football season, was a cheerleader for the Litton Lions. Wendle continually looked to improve herself. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Belmont University with a bachelor’s degree in education. She later became the Editor of Children Sunday School Literature for the Baptist Sunday School Board (Lifeway). Wendle was a 53-year active member of Hendersonville First Baptist Church. While at the church, her heart led her to the Prayer Ministry, she was also a member of the “Hooks and Needles” ministry and participated in numerous other ministries within the church; in addition to teaching 5th grade Sunday School. Wendle was a vacation planner and worked at HCA Travel, this career gave her the travel bug and after retiring, she and her husband Cleland Smith, Jr. travelled the world. Wendle was a loving wife, mother, sister and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Her smile, laughter, grace, and love will be missed.

Wendle is preceded in death by her parents Ralph and Margaret Englert, Sr. her loving husband of 56 years Cleland Smith, Jr., brother Ralph Englert, Jr., sister Ann Isaacs, and brother-in-law James Jennette. She is survived by her son Steve (Angela) Smith, daughter Laura (Kevin) Minchey, granddaughter Anna (Drake) Denning, great-grandsons Abram and Asher Denning, sister Rosa Jennette along with numerous extended family and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5pm-8pm at Hendersonville Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at Hendersonville First Baptist Church beginning at 12pm on Friday, September 5, 2025, with visitation from 11am-12pm. Entombment will follow at Hendersonville Memory Gardens.

Wendle requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Back Pack Ministry at Hendersonville First Baptist Church.