Thomas William Smith

One of Oriental’s most popular senior citizens, Thomas W. Smith, passed away Friday, September 22, 2017 at the age of 93.

Those 93 years were very well spent. He was an active member of the Oriental First Baptist Church from the age of 10, a lifelong member like his parents and grandparents before him. He was an Oriental volunteer fireman for 27 years and a valued member of the Masonic Lodge for 70 years, master of the lodge numerous times. For four years, he served in the Navy as an electrician and volunteer movie operator. He took part in every major invasion in Europe. Tom was well known as a business owner at W.J. Smith and Sons in downtown Oriental and kept TVs and appliances working for Pamlico County residents for years.

He was predeceased by his parents, William and Olive Smith; brother, Hubert Smith; son, Thomas W. Smith, Jr.; and grandson, T.W. Smith, III.

Tom was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Anne, with whom he enjoyed net fishing on the Neuse river and cross country motor-homing; his daughters, Grace (Mike) Beagle, Joanne (Eddie) Medlin, Mary (Bill) Mills; daughter-in-law, Joanne Smith; his grandchildren, Chad (Laura) Hunning, Jason Hunning, Katie (Aaron) Almaguer, and Chris Sanders; and great- grandchildren, Avery, Layla, Carter, Grant and Luke who will remember him with love and for the life that he taught including crabbing, fishing and the joy of Oriental’s Croaker Festival.

Graveside services with military honors and masonic rites by Mt. Vernon Lodge #359 will be held 11 a.m. Monday, September 25th at Oriental Cemetery with the Rev. Jerry Harper officiating.

The family will receive friends and relatives beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the service Monday at Oriental First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggested memorial contributions be made to Oriental First Baptist Church, PO Box 313, Oriental, NC 28571.

Over the years, Tom touched the lives of many and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way to the end.