Thomas H Smith Jr.

Thomas H. Smith, age 77, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2021, after a lengthy health struggle. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Tommy relocated as a youngster with his family to Alabama, where he was active in sports, the Methodist youth fellowship, and Scouting. He earned a B.S. degree in Business from Jacksonville State University. Due in large part to his innate “gift of gab,” he enjoyed a long career in sales, eventually moving to Tampa before retiring.

Tommy was a lifelong Alabama football fan and was thrilled with the Tide’s most recent National Championship. He could display a snappy, quick wit, ready with a one-liner comeback, and, as a master of the malapropism, he brought much (stifled) laughter to those who loved him. An avid golfer from boyhood, he enjoyed both the physical and mental challenges of the game and respected the traditions and protocol associated with it.

Tommy is preceded in death by his sisters, Ann Simmons and Gail McReynolds, and his son, Thomas Scott Smith. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kathy Smith; his daughter, Shanna Smith Cooke, and her husband Peter Cooke; and four grandchildren who delighted him: Tyler Cooke, Ashlyn Cooke, Ethan Cooke, and Savannah Smith.

His wishes were to be remembered in happiness and joy with a Celebration of Life, to be arranged at a later date. For those so inclined, donations in his memory may be made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.