Tommy H. Smithson went to be with his lord after a courageous battle with cancer on July 31, 2018. Tom was born on August 8, 1936 in Greene County, the son of the late Doyle and Kate Cannon Smithson.
Tommy received his B.S. degree from East Tennessee State University and his Master’s degree from the University of Mississippi. He was a retired assistant principal at Sullivan Central High School, where he worked for over 23 years.
Tommy really enjoyed working in his garden, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Tommy never met a stranger. He truly believed it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife and best friend for 52 years, Julia Agnes; brother Jim Smithson and wife Janie; sisters-in-law Marie Mullins, Ethel Carpenter, Polly Gilley, and Edith Wampler; special nieces who helped Tom through his illness, Chelsea Booher, Megan Daniel, and Mitzi Mullins-Daniel along with a handful of other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 5, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm with a graveside service immediately following at East Lawn Funeral Home in Kingsport, TN with Pastor Clay Austin officiating.
Pallbearers will be; Greg Mullins, TJ Booher, Jimmy Gilley, Phil Wampler, Jerry Sorrell, and Tim Smithson. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Collins, Minniss Collins, Carrol Collins, Lowell Head, Johnny Arnold, and Lloyd Bowers.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society, 508 Princeton Rd., Ste. 102, Johnson City, TN 37601 or St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Online condolences may be made to the Smithson family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the Smithson family.