Thomas Gene Smith

Thomas Gene Smith, age 92, of San Antonio, Texas, formerly of Zeigler, Illinois, peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by his family on December 10, 2021. Thomas (Tom) was born June 24, 1929 and raised in Zeigler, the eldest child of Robert Lloyd and Katherine Smith. At school he excelled at sports and academics, and earned his High School varsity Letter for track long-distance running, an accomplishment for which he was very proud. As a student it was recognized early that he had a keen interest and determination for learning, a value upon which he earned six University diplomas in Business, International Affairs, Education, and History. Upon graduation from High School (1947) he enlisted into the Illinois Army National Guard where he earned a commission as Second Lieutenant of Engineers, and ultimately attained the rank of Brigadier General (BG). BG Smith is a veteran of the Korea, Vietnam, and Cold Wars, where he earned the Combat Infantryman Badge and numerous medals and awards, including the Silver and Bronze Star medals for valor, Purple Heart, and the Army Staff Badge. In 1981, after 31 years of active-duty US Army service, BG Smith retired with his wife, Dixie Dianne Due Smith and settled in Texas where he continued his civilian schooling, and greatly contributed to the education of others as an instructor and academic advisor for Webster University, Fort Sam Houston. Additionally, after his military retirement, he volunteered his time and knowledge to support the needs of US Veterans, both for individuals and Veteran organizations, an effort recognized various times, but most notably by Certificate from the Texas Veterans Commission and The State of Texas House of Representatives. Thomas Smiths most honorable trait, not always shown, was that he was deeply and thoroughly grounded in his Faith. Additionally, he was the epidemy of the perfect and dedicated son, husband, brother, uncle, dad, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend he was pointedly a God-fearing Family man who cherished and honored his father and mother, and his wife of over 64 years, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He lived by this Lords commandments and the golden rule, and was, is an example for all. BG Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lloyd and Katherine Smith of Zeigler, Illinois; and brother Donald Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife, of 64 years, Dixie Dianne (Due), their three children: Thomas F. Smith and wife Brenda, Timothy J. Smith and wife Cathy, and Teresa Smith Ritter. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends all of whom he loved and was extremely proud. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and caregivers from the Brook Army Medical Center (BAMC), Fort Sam Houston, Texas, especially Dr Mint Mintchev, Oncology Department (BAMC), the Holy Savior Hospice, and Mr Clyde Rose, EWA Non-Emergency Transport Service for their excellent support and loving care to Dad. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, January 3, 2021, at Porter Loring Mortuary.

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ROSARY MONDAY, JANUARY 3, 2022 7:00 PM PORTER LORING GEORGIAN CHAPEL

MASS TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 2022 11:30 AM OUR LADY OF GRACE CATHOLIC CHURCH 223 E. SUMMIT SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78212 Interment with Full Military Honors will follow in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.