Chad Alan Smith

Chad Alan Smith, 41, Terre Haute (formerly of Sullivan), passed away on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at 10:33 a.m. after a long and valiant fight with ALS. He was surrounded by his family and his loving caregivers from Heart to Heart Hospice. Chad was born to Charles Smith and Linda Callahan Smith Pierce on June 26, 1975. He will be remembered as a devoted father, son, brother, and uncle and a fierce competitor in any sport in which he participated.

Chad was a 1994 graduate from Sullivan High School and a 1999 graduate from the University of Southern Indiana. Chad was an avid runner and earned a full scholarship to run for USI. In high school, Chad was a state qualifier in cross country and track. He held the IHSAA Regional track record in the 1600 meter run with a time of 4:21:94 from 1994 until 2012. While at USI, Chad earned All-Region in Cross Country, All-GLVC (Great Lakes Valley Conference) in Cross Country (3 times) and in track. In the spring of 1996, Chad finished 12th at Nationals in the 10k; in the spring of 1997, Chad finished 12th at Nationals in the Steeple Chase. After college, Chad went on to teach social studies and coach cross country, girls varsity basketball, and track and field at his Alma Mater, Sullivan High School, from 1999 to 2007. He began teaching and coaching at Northview High School in 2007 and remained there until his retirement in 2013. Chad coached many outstanding student-athletes and led many of them to compete at the state level. Chad was a member of Maryland Community Church.

Chad was an outstanding athlete, competitor, and adventurer. Though he had many accomplishments and received many awards through the years, Chad would tell us his greatest accomplishment was his son, Daniel. Chad deeply loved his son and enjoyed teaching him about history and sports. Chad's favorite activity was watching his son play sports.

Chad is survived by his parents; his step-mother, Robin Smith; one son, Daniel, and his mother Danielle; one sister, Tracy Smith Greggs; a brother-in-law, Darin Greggs; two nieces, Emily and Sydney Greggs; his girlfriend, Heidi Sprowls; his paternal grandparents, Charles and Mary; his Uncle Larry (Linda) Smith; and several cousins. Chad was predeceased by his maternal grandparents Alvan Gerald and Letha May Byrd Callahan.

Donations will be accepted for Daniel Smith's College Fund. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at First Christian Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Vince McFarland officiating. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on August 27. The graveside service will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan. Envelopes will be available at the church.

Donations will be accepted for Daniel Smith's College Fund. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 27, 2016, at First Christian Church in Sullivan, with Pastor Vince McFarland officiating. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on August 27. The graveside service will follow at Center Ridge Cemetery in Sullivan. Envelopes will be available at the church.