Thomas Smith known affectionately as "Smitty" was born April 6, 1947, to the late Leo Smith Sr. and Lizzie (Grice) Smith. He was the baby of the six children.

Thomas/Tom/Smitty was educated in the public schools of Pamplico, South Carolina and was a graduate of Gibbs High School.

Smitty served his country by enlisting in the United States Army. He was a Sergeant while serving in the U.S. Army and was Honorably discharged on the 4th of October 1972.

Thomas made Durham, NC his home. He was employed by Liggett Group Inc and received a 25-year service award March 2, 1996. He joined Ebenezer Baptist Church under former Pastor Donald Fischer, where he became a young officer, but his main love was singing with the male chorus. After leaving Ebenezer Baptist Church, he became a charter member of New Birth/Greater New Birth where he was a very active member. He sung, served meals at the homeless shelter, visited the sick, worked with the youth, and headed and organized cub scouts.

Thomas was also a very active Master Mason of Shepard Lodge #840, Prince Hall Affiliated, where he also worked with the youth, Knights of Pythagoras.

Smitty loved to walk, even after he was hit by a car crossing the street, it did not stop him from walking when he was better. So, picture this, he is walking around Heaven now.

One more thing he loved the Washington Redskins.

God called Smitty and told him you can take a break from down there on Wednesday, August 22, 2024, at Ashland Healthcare Rehabilitation Center in Asland Virginia.

Thomas was predeceased by two brothers, Theodore Roosevelt Smith, and Leo Smith Jr, and one God grandson Corey and one God great granddaughter.

His life will be forever cherished in the hearts of those he leaves behind. His buddy, friend, and wife of 51 years, Cynthia P. Smith. God Son, he said his son Gregory (Julia) Clemmons of Sandston VA, two brothers Joseph (Vivian) Smith of Sharpsburg GA, Cleveland Smith of Raleigh NC, one sister Sabreen (Yusef) Mateen of East Orange NJ, Mother-in-law Ms. Freddia M Hopkins of Sandston VA, one brother-in-law Delcornno (Sandra) Prince of Durham NC, five God grandchildren, Greg, Marques, Darian, Precious, Mirikal, ten God great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and beloved friends.

Funeral Service: Saturday, September 7, 2024 | Visitation service from 12:00 to 1:00 pm | Funeral service starts at 1:00 pm.

Place of service:
Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church, 2200 S. Alston Ave., Durham, NC. 27707

Interment:
Markham Memorial Gardens, 4826 Trenton Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517