Lt. Colonel Thompson Crockett Smith (Ret.)

December 3, 1928 – February 2, 2026

Lt. Colonel Thompson Crockett Smith (Ret.), age 97, of Fairfax, Virginia, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 with his daughters by his side.

Born in Chilhowie, Virginia, on December 3, 1928, Tommy lived a life marked by faithful service, deep devotion to family, and unwavering commitment to his faith and country.

He married the love of his life, Phyllis Birch Smith, in December of 1948, and they shared 42 wonderful years together until her passing in 1990. Together they raised three daughters who were the pride and joy of his life: Patricia S. Wippel; Debra S. Baker (Charles); and Julie A. Viar (Dan Radke). He was a loving “Buddy” to nine grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to seven.

Tommy (known as “TC” to his colleagues,) dedicated 35 years of loyal and distinguished service to the United States Department of the Army and the Virginia Army National Guard Association, serving from June 1948 until May 1983. Along with other duties, his tenure included a command position at the Nike Missile Site in Lorton, and as the head Recruitment and Retention Officer for the state of Virginia. After retiring, he remained an active member of the Virginia National Guard and had the privilege of serving as president in the organization. Tommy’s military career reflected his deep sense of duty, integrity, and leadership.

A faithful Christian, Tommy was a longtime member of Fairfax United Methodist Church. Prior to transferring his membership, he served actively as a member of Pender United Methodist Church, where he sang in and occasionally directed the church choir. Music was one of Tommy’s lifelong passions. He enjoyed playing the trombone, ukulele, and piano. In his early years, he sang in a small band, and even performed with the former Washington “Redskins” (now the Commanders) Band in the 1940s. Whether in uniform, in church, or at home with family, his life was filled with purpose, harmony, and joy.

Above all, Tommy was a devoted family man whose kindness, sense of humor, steady and optimistic gentle spirit, will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

After a private graveside ceremony, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Fairfax United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia National Guard Scholarship Program (https://vngf.org/vngf-donation-form/) or the American Heart Association (https://www.heart.org/en/get-involved/ways-to-give).