Thomas Smith

Thomas Gordon Smith, aged 70, passed away on November 23, 2024 in Water Valley, Mississippi. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Tommy is survived two children, Bettye (Saxon) Durham of Bartlett, Tennessee and James "Jamie" (Joyce) Smith of Pontotoc, Mississippi; eight grandchildren, Chander Durham and Gabriel Durham of Bartlett, Tennessee, Matthew Smith and Madison Smith of Booneville, Mississippi, Hunter Smith of Coffeeville, Mississippi, Wilbur Rodgers, Tabatha Rodgers, and Salena Hollinger of Pontotoc, Mississippi; and one great grandchild, Liam Durham of Cordova, Tennessee. He leaves his father, Aaron Smith and two brothers, Joe (Carol) and Gene Smith-all of Oakland, Mississippi.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Frances Marion Smith of Oakland. His wife of 51 years, Loretta Hanks Smith, passed away alongside him.

Tommy, or "Big O", was born on December 30, 1953 in Water Valley, Mississippi. He attended Coffeeville High School and later went on to work at Holly Carburetor (later known as Borg Warner) in Water Valley. His younger years, he played on several community baseball teams, including one in Oakland-from which his nickname "Big O" was born. 

He was an avid sports fan and would be often seen at cheering on the Water Valley Blue Devils, the Coffeeville Pirates, and the New Orleans Saints. He loved fishing and hunting and would often share the fruits of that labor with neighbors and friends.

Visitation will be December 2, 2024 at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 4pm to 6pm at with a memorial service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family has designated West Cancer Foundation as the benefactor of any memorials. As many know, Tommy was diagnosed with Stage 3B squamous cell carcinoma in 2017, shortly after his retirement. West Cancer Center provided the most compassionate care, not only for Tommy, but also ensured that his family was informed of everything and esources for that support had been made available through generous donations. Tommy always said that he wished he could give back to West Cancer Center for the care he received. The family could think of no better way of honoring this request. Donations can be made to West Cancer Foundation at www.westcancerfoundation.org. Checks can be mailed to P.O. Box 382638 Germantown, TN 38183-2638 in memory of Thomas G Smith.