Elijah King Hendricks was born July 10, 2008 to Jonathon Hendricks and Sarah Speer. Following a tragic accident, Elijah passed away in Blount Memorial's ICU on September 10, 2026 at 2:00 pm.

To look back on Elijah's life is a pleasure. There is no appropriate word, nor enough, in language to sum him. Of all the things we knew of Elijah, he was handsome, humble, loving, and sincere. To release him into the ether to the loving hands of our creator leaves a heavy hole once consumed by the light of a little boy, child, young man. One of Elijah's good days would make your worst day instantly your best day. He offered his love freely and sincerely. He was deeply loved as a son, family member and friend.

Elijah is survived by his Grandfather and Grandmother Sonya and Jack Hendricks; his mother Sarah Speer; his father, Jonathon Hendricks; his stepmother, Jordyn Hendricks, and his siblings, Micah Speer, Xander Hendricks, Georgia Hendricks, and Beau McCarter, along with many other family members and friends who loved him dearly.

Elijah,

If you're in the wind, cool me off. If you're in the sun, warm my face. If you're in the thunder, laugh for me. I love you more than you could have known and I will miss you my whole life.

Love,

Dad

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 25th, 2026 from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at Victory Baptist Church in Maryville. A Celebration of Life will begin at 3:00pm. Immediately following the ceremony, Elijah will be laid to rest in Louisville Cemetery.

Condolences to the family may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, or at www.smithfuneralandcremation.com