Thomas Owen Smathers

Thomas Owen Smathers, 81, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2016, in the comfort of his home where he had resided for forty-three years. Tom answered God’s call to join him in Heaven where there is peace. Tom was the son of the late Wynelle Rowland and Francis Willard Smathers. He was also predeceased by his beloved son, Christopher Thomas Smathers, last December. Tom is survived by his wife of forty –nine years, Darlene Smathers. He is also survived by three children, Jaime Lynn Smathers, Amanda Smathers Wright, and Nathan L. Smathers. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, Tara Bergman, Jeremiah Smathers, Rachel Smathers, Madison Siegfried, and Chase Siegfried; and two great grandchildren, Dylan and Nolan; his daughter-in-law, Laura Smathers; and a special young man, Christopher Thomas Xaros, whom he loved dearly. Tom also leaves behind many extended family member and friends. Tom was born on August 23, 1935, in Asheville, North Carolina. He moved to Orlando, Florida in his early teens where he graduated from Boone High School. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree from Atlantic Christian College. Tom joined the United State Marine Corps in 1955 where he became part of a very elite group of men, “The few, the proud, the Marines.” He retired from active duty in 1975 as a gunnery Sergeant, but as he would say, “Once a Marine, Always a Marine.” He served during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart and other commendations. After being wounded, he returned to Vietnam and did three more tours of duty, serving in the infantry and embarkation. After leaving the Corps, he worked for 3M, Copy Methods, and Dyna Fax. He then started his own small company, “Tom Fax”. He loved being in sales where it gave him the opportunity to meet many people. He was also involved in the politics of his community. Tom became a member of Rock Church in 1973. He loved the Miami Dolphins, NASCAR, movies, talk radio, and politics. He loved to play the guitar, sing and play the piano and loved county and folk music. We would like to thank Dr. Allen Fenderson and staff along with all of the other medical professionals that allowed us to enjoy a few more years with Tom. Tom loved his family, friends, God, and his Country, and he will be missed. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at Smith and Williams Funeral Home on Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach. A viewing will be at 1:00pm followed by a funeral service at 2:00pm to be concluded with full US Marine Corps military honors to be rendered. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wounded Warriors, the Marine Corps-Toys for Tots, the Heart Association or the Ehlers Danlos Foundation. Semper Fidelis!