Thomas Wilson Smith Sr's Obituary
Thomas Wilson Smith, Sr., formerly of Saegertown, Meadville and Erie, PA, departed this life for the next on Friday May 24th - surrounded by loved ones in his adopted home town of Clearwater, FL.
Tom is survived by his adoring and devoted wife of 54 years, Joyce Shuman Smith. Tom and Joyce were inseparable, living together as best friends and partners, building a wonderful life together, traveling the world and enjoying nothing more than each other – and their four loving children.
Those children are: Todd Franklin Davis, of Phoenix, AZ; Tamara Davis Haverfield, of Mansfield, OH; Tracey Davis Morrison, of Obetz, OH; and Thomas Wilson Smith, Jr. of Little Rock, AR. Todd’s family includes his wife, Laurie, and Tom’s grandchildren, Kyle and Erika. Tammy’s family includes her husband, Gary, and their children Alyssa and Connor. Tracey has two sons: Spencer and Sean and tragically lost a little daughter, Stormi, many years ago. Tom Jr’s children, the remainder of Tom Sr.’s 11 grandchildren, are Hayden, Sullivan, Addison and Harrison. Tom was blessed with a great granddaughter in 2016 when Kyle and his wife, Jania, brought Ripley into the world.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Frances and his sister, Patricia. He is survived by brothers Robert and Peter and sisters Kay and Judith.
Tom served his country during the Korean Conflict, stationed in Germany as a map librarian, which resulted in his moniker of Sergeant Smith, and a life-long love of maps. On his return he pursued higher education at Allegheny and Edinboro Colleges, earning a master’s degree in English. He loved poetry and literature and could always be counted on for a pithy speech, a pointed business letter or an off-color limerick.
Tom’s early career involved both teaching school and trading stocks. He found his calling in school administration, managing every financial and logistical issue the Fort LeBoeuf school district could throw his way for over 25 years. When there was a problem with a bus route, he rode along; when the state said someone in the administration needed to be licensed as a sewage specialist, he went back to school and got a license as a sewage engineer.
After retiring and moving south, Tom’s wanderlust came to full fruition. He and Joyce traveled the US – returning to Pennsylvania annually and visiting children and grandchildren every chance possible; rarely missing a graduation or birthday. His passport got a workout as well, as he and Joyce traveled the world.
Tom loved music and had a lovely tenor voice which he put to use in both the church choir and several barbershop quartets. His tolerance for bridge - and Joyce’s tolerance of him as a partner - grew into a love of the game as he got older, and he became a pretty decent player. He was a stellar athlete throughout high school and college and played a mean round of golf until a few years ago.
Tom loved nothing better than sitting on the deck with Joyce and a glass of wine or a vodka tonic. She will sorely miss those moments. Those who knew and loved Tom should cherish the memory of his wit, his charm, his corny one-liners, his kindness and his steadfast love of family. His faith was deep and he strongly believed that one day he would meet the many loved ones who preceded him to God’s Kingdom.
The family has scheduled a memorial service at Clearwater’s Chapel by the Sea for Saturday, June 1st at 1:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a cause of your choice in memory of Tom.
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