of Greenbrier, AR
February 8, 1949 - November 8, 2019
Tom J. Smith (Tommy Joe), 70 of Greenbrier, AR, was born February 8, 1949, and departed this life unexpectedly on November 8, 2019, in Conway. His parents were Loyd Smith and Velma Towery-Smith of Shirley, AR. He graduated from Clinton high school in 1967, serving his senior year as Student Council President and Editor of The Torch Yearbook. He earned his bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Central Arkansas in 1971. During the start of his career, he met his loving wife and life partner of 46 years, Donna Alexander-Smith. They married in Mountain Home, AR, in 1973 and launched a wonderful life together. He spent most of his profession as the Administrator of Accounting for the State of Arkansas in the Department of Finance and Administration in Little Rock.
Tom was a very special, hardworking and honorable man. He was a country boy raised on his family farm in Clinton. He enjoyed cattle, auctions and Bluegrass music. Our Dad was always our guiding light, he loved ''his girls,'' camaraderie with relatives and friends of many capacities, and time with his adoring dogs. ''Papa Bear'' also cherished time with his beloved grandchildren. In retirement he enjoyed farming, gardening, cooking and gallivanting across the beautiful Arkansas countryside. He was a prankster and well known for his genuine sense of humor and generosity.
He is survived by his wife Donna; daughters Allison Smith-Thompson (Dustin) and Whitney Smith-Knight (Randy); brothers Charles Smith (Glenda) and Edward Smith of Clinton; grandchildren Haley, Katlyn and Tanner Thompson; and many loving relatives and friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, nephew Jeff Smith, and granddaughter Tyler Thompson.
A memorial celebration of Tom's life is scheduled at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier on Saturday, November 16, with visitation at 9AM, service at 10AM and burial at Pee Dee Cemetery next to the family farm. Donations honoring Tom may be made to the Humane Society.
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13 Condolence(s)
Natalie Barber
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
I remember growing up and Visiting Aunt Glenda and Uncle Charlie and going to over to Papa Loyd and Nanny Leons to visit and play. Tommy was always so fun to be around and had a heart of Gold. So full of mischief, I loved him dearly. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to Donna and the girls.
Steve Smith
Saturday, November 16, 2019
So many great memories with cousins at Pawpaw and Mawmaw’s house and all along the gravel road between their house and Tom’s and the woods and fields between.
Bruce and Margie Towery
Saturday, November 16, 2019
So sorry for your loss
Darren Beckham
Friday, November 15, 2019
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s untimely passing. He was one of the best men I have ever known. I was his physical therapist and me and my entire staff looked forward to the days that he was scheduled to come to therapy. He had a way of making everyone around him feel better. He will absolutely be missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing this fine gentleman. My condolences go out to the entire family
Donna, Allison, and Whitney
Friday, November 15, 2019
Daddy, we love you so much and we're gonna miss you terribly! Our world is forever changed. We will never forget your beautiful smile, your hearty laugh, or your tender loving heart. The sky, the moon, and the stars have a much deeper meaning now! We love you Daddy!
Love "your girls"!
Sandra Sherman
Friday, November 15, 2019
Love you Donna, and I can't express how awful I feel for your family's pain and loss. Tom was the best and so are you. Whitney and Allison and kids, hang in there. It's hard; please know we are there for you and your Mom.
When Great Trees Fall
by Maya Angelou
When great trees fall, rocks on distant hills shudder,
lions hunker down in tall grasses,
and even elephants lumber after safety.
When great trees fall in forests,
small things recoil into silence,
their senses eroded beyond fear.
When great souls die,
the air around us becomes light, rare, sterile.
We breathe, briefly.
Our eyes, briefly, see with a hurtful clarity.
Our memory, suddenly sharpened,
examines, gnaws on kind words unsaid,
promised walks never taken.
Great souls die and our reality, bound to them, takes leave of us.
Our souls, dependent upon their nurture,
now shrink, wizened.
Our minds, formed and informed by their radiance, fall away.
We are not so much maddened as reduced to the unutterable ignorance of dark, cold caves.
And when great souls die,
after a period, peace blooms,
slowly and always irregularly.
Spaces fill with a kind of soothing electric vibration.
Our senses, restored, never to be the same, whisper to us.
They existed. They existed.
We can be. Be and be better.
For they existed.
Brenda Finch
Friday, November 15, 2019
Donna, so terribly sorry to hear of your husband's passing. Will keep your family in my prayers. Peace be with you and your family.
Your classmate and friend,
Brenda Ernest Finch
Anne W Laidlaw
Friday, November 15, 2019
Tom & Donna were both two of my early friends in State Government when I began my career 25 years ago. Tom was such a kind, supportive and patient friend and help to guide me early in my career in public service. I have missed him ever since he retired and recall how excited he was to not make that daily drive to Little Rock and get to stay home and farm & mow! He was a gentleman through and through.
Donna, I am so very sad for you and your family. My heart and prayers go out to you all.
Sincerely, Anne
Mike & Gayle McCullars
Thursday, November 14, 2019
We are just so, so sad and were shocked when we heard the news. We will cherish the memories of Tom's sparkling smile and vivacious laughter. We loved the times we spent together and will remember them forever. May God provide all of you with His strength and comfort.
Anna Gail and Eric Thompson
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Eric and I are devastated hearing of the loss of Tom. Nothing will ever be the same.
God be with you all. May you have peace in knowing he had a life well-lived and filled with love.
We love you .
Kathy and Lindell Atkinson
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Donna, our hearts are broken for you and the girls. Tom was a great man full of caring and kindness. We pray you and the family find peace and comfort during this difficult time. Love Kathy and Lindell
Jess Setzler
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Tom was one of the good guys. He always had a kind word and went out of his way to speak to me. Donna, I am so saddened by this news. We will certainly be sending up prayers for you and the family.
Rita Barlow
Monday, November 11, 2019
I am so sorry to hear about Tom passing away. Please know you are in my prayers. I worked with Tom at DFA.