Thomas James Smith Jr.

Thomas J Smith Jr. was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Stanton High School in Duval County school district where he was active in sports: basketball, football as a star quarterback, track athletic, while excelling in academics and auto mechanics. Upon graduating from high school with honors, Sergeant Major Smith joined the United States Marine Corps on March 15, 1958 and was assigned as a Marine Corps Infantrymen (Grunt). His first duty assignment was at the United States Embassy in Morocco Spain. Upon competition of his assigned duty there he served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded Two Purple Hearts, Combat Action, Presidential Citation and Navy Commendation for Meritorious Services. Sgt. Maj. Smith participated in thirteen Major Combat Operations and Numerous Search and Destroy Operations. He served in various billets during his career; two of those to be honored as “Drill Instructor” at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA; and, “Non-Commissioned Officer” in Charge of NCO School, at Camp Pendleton, CA. Sgt. Maj. Smith also served as Operational Chief of Marine Detachment at the Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA and as a Sniper Instructor at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. However, his passion as a Marine was serving with Delta Company First Battalion Seventh Marines as a Grunt! Upon retirement of faithful, honorable and distinguished service, for twenty six years, from the United States Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Smith attended college and received a degree in Criminal Justice.

He continued his federal service by applying and being accepted as a Special Officer for the United States Secret Service. He was assigned to the Western Protective Division and the Reagan Protective Division. He served twenty years with the U.S.S.S.

Thomas J (TJ) Smith Jr. was a man of superior leadership, had a devotion to duty, integrity, and a caring heart for his fellow man. He always displayed professionalism. His hobbies included reading, listening to music and dancing (which he loved). He definitely stayed physically fit until his illness. His strong beliefs were standing up for what was right and, he never wavered left or right. His accomplishments never outweighed his friends.

This can be quoted from "Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".

Family Members Preceded In Death:

Mother: Mrs. Dollie Mae Brown

Father: Mr. Thomas J Smith, Sr.

Brothers: Mr. Leroy Smith, Sr. & Mr. Robert Smith

Survivors: A devoted and loving brother, Vern Garrett, and, his wife Rose of Riverview, Florida; A host of nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, family members and caring friends.

“A life spent devoted to his country and his fellowman”

Honor  Courage  Commitment

Semper Fidelis

Our Appreciation

We have been richly blessed by the numerous acts of kindness and support

received from our friends and extended family. Each expression of love and sympathy has been a source of comfort to us and will forever remain dear in our hearts. It is our prayer that the Lord continues to richly bless and keep each of you in His care.

 The Family 

 Special Thanks 

Silverado Care Givers, Nurses, Administration Staff And Hospice Care

Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church

2606 West Grace Street Tampa, Florida 33609

Dr. T.D. Leonard, Pastor

Resolution in Loving Memory of Sgt. Major Thomas J. Smith (Ret.)

Since it has pleased Almighty God to take Bro. Thomas J. Smith, from this labor to his reward, where he has joined that great cloud of witnesses in the heavens, we the pastor, officers and members of Mt. Tabor, humbly bow with you in loving memory.

WHEREAS, Bro. Smith is the brother and brother-in-law of our dear and faithful members, Bro. Vernondale and Sis. Rose Garrett.

WHEREAS, your Mt. Tabor Church family has been in constant prayer and support, as you both have lovingly labored to bring comfort and devotion to Bro. Smith, during his illness and subsequent demise.

WHEREAS, we are recommending and believing the words of Jesus in John 14 that encourages you to “Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to our dear members, Bro. and Sis. Garrett and the entire Garrett and Smith families -- we believe that Bro. Smith has gone to his “prepared place” with his heavenly Father.

This resolution is lovingly submitted this Wednesday, March 4, 2015 by the entire Mt. Tabor Church Family, Tampa, FL.

Dec. Virgil Jacobs, Chairman, Trustee Board

Dr. T. D. Leonard, Pastor

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