Don "Smokey" Wyrick

Don “Smokey” Wyrick, a man whose life was as smooth as a bluegrass riff and as reliable as a well-plumbed pipe, sailed off into the ultimate sunset on February 19th, 2025, with his first mate and a full crew of family by his side. While we’re pretty sure he’s already jamming with the angels (probably on an upright bass made of pure gold), we’re going to miss his earthly tunes something fierce.

Smokey wasn't just a nickname, it was an identity. This man could charm the birds out of the trees with his music, fix a leaky faucet with the best of them, and tell stories that were taller than his beloved upright bass. You may have seen him playing that upright bass in his local bluegrass band Gold Rush back in the 80’s. If you didn’t, you missed out. They famously dueled in bluegrass competitions all over the area, narrowly losing to groups like Allison Krauss and Union Station. 

He was the third of three boys born to Lester and Idella Wyrick in Rockwood, Tennessee, proving early on that good things come in three’s. His love for music blossomed early as he was the proud leader of the trumpet section in the high school band. After graduating from Rockwood High School in 1965, Smokey took his talents to MTSU, where he became an honored member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternal Order. He and many of his KA brothers remained close through the years even to his final breath. Smokey graduated with a degree in biology, we’re not sure how that translated into plumbing, but hey, the man was a Renaissance man of sorts. He eventually returned to Rockwood to join the family business, Ideal Plumbing Company, where he and his brother Rollin kept the pipes of Roane County flowing smoothly for decades. 

Smokey is now reunited with his parents, Lester and Idella Wyrick, his brothers, Rollin and David Wyrick, and his brother from another mother, Mike Holloway. We imagine they’re having a grand old time swapping stories and drinking coffee.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 36 years, Sherri. He also leaves behind his sons, Wes (Melinda) and Dylan (Charm), and three incredible grandchildren, Rhett, Arabella, and Haven, who lit up his life even on his final day. He'll also be fondly remembered by his amazing sister-in-law, Betty Wyrick, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Smokey's life, filled with music, laughter, and probably more than a few memories, will be held on Sunday, March 2nd from 2pm - 5pm at Cofer's Garage. Music and food will be served.

Cofer's Garage

141 S. Front Street

Rockwood, TN 37854