Theron W. Smith, Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. Mr. Smith was born April 22, 1935 in Patrick, SC, the son of Theron W. Smith, Sr. and Odessa Clark Smith. His family moved to Columbia, SC in 1940. Mr. Smith attended Columbia public schools and graduated from Columbia High School in 1954. He attended The University of South Carolina and George Washington University in Washington DC while working as an intern for the Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI.
In 1960, he married Mary Ann Blackburn. Mr. Smith began his career in Electrical Engineering and Sales with Gregory Electric Company in Columbia, SC. In 1961, he began working for I.T.E. Imperial Corporation and later Siemens Allis Corporation from which he would retire from senior management in 1989. In 1991, Mr. Smith founded his own company, CSS, Inc., in the office equipment industry. He retired again in 2000. CSS, Inc. is still in operation to this day, managed by his children and favorite daughter in-law.
After retirement, Theron and Mary Ann enjoyed traveling. He enjoyed RV'ing with his wife and they met lifelong friends along the way. They crisscrossed the United States multiple times and enjoyed stops in Canada, Alaska, and Mexico. Theron was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting with his son, Ted. They traveled multiple times to the Southwestern US, Mexico, and South America wing shooting. In his later years, Theron became a self-taught wood worker. Many family and friends cherish his hand crafted bowls, walking sticks and pocket crosses. One of his last wood working projects was crafting new offering plates for his church.
Theron was very involved in his community and church. In his early years, Theron enjoyed coaching baseball at Trenholm Park. He served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, USA. He also was a councilman for eight years in the Town of Arcadia Lakes, and past President of the Seabrook Island HOA.
Theron is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Ann. Daughter Amy S. Linkletter of Lugoff, SC, son Ted (Michelle) of Ballentine, SC. Granddaughter Ashlen "Sweet Pea" Turner, grandson Aaron Turner and granddaughter Macy Smith. There is no doubt, his grandchildren were the apple of his eye! His sister, Linda Lewis (Robert) of Darlington, SC and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.
A special thank you to his hospice caregivers, especially Aunt Faye, for their loving, respectful, and compassionate care.
A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the church parlor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church at 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206.
Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
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