William “Tom” Smith passed away Aug. 6, 2022, at the age of 90. Born in Gainesville, Georgia, to parents Cleveland Smith and Ruby Parks, Tom was the oldest of five children – Clara Green, Harrison Smith, Mamie Ann Johnson and RC Smith.
He was a loving husband to his wife, Bree Smith, married just four days shy of 70 years when he passed.
Tom proudly served in the Air Force for 21 years, working on a medical transport helicopter in Vietnam, finding adventure throughout the Pacific, and enduring numerous stateside moves with his family by his side.
After his service retirement, Tom worked at Westinghouse as a field service engineer, at which time he settled in Thrall. This provided him with the opportunity to do what he loved most, tend to his garden, chicken, guineas and impressive pecan trees.
He was also an avid NASCAR fan, carrying on a passion encouraged by his Uncle Raymond Parks.
While all can rejoice in the comfort of knowing Tom is now present with the Lord, a significant void will be felt by all who knew and loved him, as his passing brings an end to an era.
His was an era created by a hardworking, loving, respected and at times, incredibly stubborn man … though his wings, they were never seen, we thought that he walked on water.
The stoic patriarch to his family, Tom leaves behind his four children including his daughters, Ivy (Lewis) Weed, Avis Smith, Iris (Melton) Guthrie; and son, Willie (Donna) Smith in addition to eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Aug. 16, at Condra Funeral Home, 503 Talbot Street in Taylor, beginning at 9 a.m. with open visitation, followed by a formal service at 10a.m. Final burial will conclude at Taylor City Cemetery, 1101 East Fourth Street in Taylor.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. CondraFuneralHome. com for the Smith family.
