Arrie Lou Moats

Arrie Lou (Mashburn) Moats was born in Maryville, TN but raised in the beautiful mountains of Unaka, NC which she always considered home. She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by loved ones at the home of her son, Chris Moats, in Maryville, TN on October 5, 2025. Arrie was preceded in death by her parents Ira Mashburn and Analou Kate (Cornwell) Mashburn and her beloved husband Charles Moats, to whom she was married from 1965 until his death in 1994. She will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, her unwavering spirit, her love for the Appalachian Mountains, and her heart for all of God’s four-legged creatures.

Arrie is survived by her son Chris (Dana) Moats, daughter Bethany Moats, grandson Chris Moats Jr., grandson Joshua (Sandra) Moats, great-granddaughters Rory and Rowan Moats, sisters Jeanne (Kenneth) Clure and Mary Taylor, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service will be held Saturday, October 25th from 1-3pm at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service in Maryville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arrie’s memory to Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, to Region A Partnership for Children (rapc.org) or by bringing an unwrapped toy to the service. Toys will be distributed this holiday season by the Unaka Volunteer Fire Department to kids in the Unaka, NC community. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral and Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.