Dean Thomas Smith

Dean Thomas Smith (Tommy, Tucker, T.Tommy Tucker), age 72, passed away in his home in Kingwood, Texas on December 10, 2019 while in the loving care of his family and Devotion Hospice. Tommy was born on July 13, 1947 at St. Joseph Hospital in Houston and attended Foster Elementary, Cullen Junior High, Jesse Jones High, and University of Houston.

His early work career began before graduation assisting his father in the field of elevator maintenance and then moved into the construction field working with Sam Bond Construction. His life-long career in the field of air freight began with Continental Airlines & Lyndon while living in Houston and ended his career with EGL in Charlotte, North Carolina. Always feeling the need to work, Tommy began working after retirement in the field of security working at Weiser Security until his death.

His passion for auto racing began as a young boy when his neighbor, Bill Faust, took him to his first race at Playland Park in Houston. Tommy’s life revolved around racing, whether in the stands, in the pits, or behind the wheel. He drove the Bronco division in the 91 car at Meyer Speedway, Texas Super Sprinters at Big H, and Battleground Late Model class in the 13 car. After his driving career ended, Tommy took to the track once again on Saturday nights but as Flagman and Track Director at Battleground Speedway plus Flagman for the USAC Midgets Series in the Carolinas. He loved every facet of the sport.

Tommy is survived by his aunt, Barbara Tullos of Humble, Texas; aunt, Edna Smith of Silsbee, Texas; aunt, Bobbie Smith of The Woodlands, Texas; sister, Susan Smith of Montgomery, Texas; brother, Jim Smith of Kingwood, Texas; sister, Mary Howell, and husband Sam, of Kingwood, Texas; extended family members Angela Trotter of Conroe, Texas; Tracy Trotter of Denver, North Carolina; Beau James Smith of Houston, Texas; Dylan Trotter of Conroe, Texas; Gracie Trotter of Denver, North Carolina; and Colby Trotter of Denver, North Carolina. Niece, Shelley Brock of Oakland, California; Nephew, Andrew Brock and wife Amber of The Woodlands, Texas; Nephew, Gary Brock and wife Allison of Spring, Texas; Niece, Mandy Bartell and husband Matt of Houston, Texas; Niece, Sarah Smith of Webster, Texas; Niece, Kristen Smith of Webster, Texas. Grand-nieces and nephews, Ethan Brock, Aislynn Brock, and Lexi Brock. Step nieces and nephews, Sam Howell and wife Lavinia, Cindy Nottingham, and Sharon Dockree. Grand step nieces and nephews, Micheal Nottingham and wife Allison, Ryan Howell and wife Lesley, Shelley Mullen and husband Graeme, John Howell and wife Evelyn, William Howell, Joseph Howell, and Savannah Howell. Great grand step nieces and nephews, Theodore Mullen, London Nottingham, and Robert Howell. Cousins Charles Tullos, Ricky Tullos, David Tullos, Martha Clark, Judy Smith, Wanda West, Carolyn Adair, David Smith, Greg Smith, Sherree Windham, Jerilyn Rheman, Leanna DeHerrera, and Libby Nitschke.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents, Dean and Margrett Smith, and close friend, Peggy Trotter.

A memorial service and reception celebrating this special life God shared with us for 72 years will be held on December 21, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. at Brookside Memorial Park, 13747 Eastex Freeway, Houston 77039.

For those wanting to make a special remembrance of Tommy, please consider donating to American Cancer Society for research, treatment, and care of those battling pancreatic cancer.