Thomas Smith

With grateful hearts, we celebrate the life of Thomas "Tom" Smith, who entered his eternal rest on February 9, 2026.  Tom lived a long, remarkable life marked by faith, love, and devotion to his family and to the Lord he served so faithfully.  A celebration of his life will be on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Minter Lane Church of Christ, 2510 Bel Air Drive.

Born in Dunston on Tyne, England, Tom's journey carried him across the world-from England to Africa, New Zealand, and ultimately the United States.  Through every chapter, he lived with humility, curiosity, and a steadfast trust in God's guidance.  Whether serving in the military, working as an electrician and instructor, or ministering to congregations, Tom reflected Christ's love with a gentle spirit and a servant's heart.

Tom's greatest joy was his family!  Tom married Doris in 1951, and the two embarked on an extraordinary journey to Southern Rhodesia, building a life woven with adventure, faith and unshakable love.  Doris was the heartbeat of his world, and when she went home to be with the Lord in 2004, Tom felt a loss as deep as their love had been strong.  Tom is lovingly survived by his children David (Sandy), Trisha (Albert Acosta), and Suzanne (David Carlin); his grandchildren; Lawrence, Marcos (Camille), Nicolas (Brittany), Lucas (Christina), Silas (Rachel), and Lucy; Dustin (Christina) and Russell (Krista); and his great grandchildren Lavaya, David, Sofia, Sebastian, Ana, Lucas, Alberto, Luisa, Emilia, Aaron, Sabrina, Oliver, Colbie, Rylie and Emrie.  Each of them carries forward the legacy of kindness, faith, and perseverance he modeled throughout his life.

Tom delighted in life's simple pleasures.  As he often joked, "Coffee before feet on the floor!"  He loved The Beatles, Ginger Snaps in the morning, and he never turned down Fish and Chips, Cadbury's Chocolate or one of Albert's famous lattes.  He was also an avid reader and regularly visited local schools to read to the children.

Tom finished his race with courage and faith, living the truth of 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  Though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice knowing he now hears the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."