Sheriff Mike Neal, Chief Deputy John Argo and the entire Rhea County Sheriff’s Department offer our sincerest condolences to the family in the passing of former Rhea County Sheriff, Paul Smith. Born and raised in Spring City, Paul served Rhea County as Sheriff from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1982 to 1986. He also served his country as a member of the U.S. Army, where he spent two years in the transportation corps.

At the end of his service in the Army, Paul took up well-drilling. He drilled wells in the Hawaiian Islands for almost 20 years. After moving back to the Tennessee area, Paul added oil drilling to his resume. He served Rhea County at a time that law enforcement experience was not required to run for Sheriff and he did not work in law enforcement outside of his two terms. Thank you Paul for your service to Rhea County and to the United States of America.