LONG TIME LOCAL BUSINESSMAN J. PAUL SMITH PASSES AWAY

Long time Cumberland County businessman J. Paul Smith has died from injuries sustained in a fall at his home Tuesday night. Mr. Smith owned and operated J. Paul Smith Construction Company for many decades.  His company is responsible for many of the developments over the years in Cumberland and surrounding counties. Aside from being a very hard worker all his life, Paul was a most kind and very generous man and beloved most all who knew him. In 1986 J. Paul built Crossville Raceway into a full-blown NASCAR Dirt Track which produced high speed excitement for race fans for many years. Paul and his wife, Dean, have been members of the Mayland Church of Christ for many years.  Services will be announced at a later date. It is a heavy heart this reporter must bring this news to our readers.  For I have known and cherished a friendship with J. Paul most of my life.