Thomas J. Smith

Our loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. Age 74 years. Tom was born on January 25, 1949, son of the late Cecil and Marie (Nielsen) Smith, in Saginaw. Tom married Veronica Hamling, who he affectionately called “Ronnie” on July 13, 1968. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War in 1968-1969, then finished his enlistment at Fort Riley, Kansas. Tom retired in 2006 from EATON Manufacturing after 30 dedicated years of service. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, camping and playing Black Jack. Being a skilled craftsman, he found peace in woodworking and creating amazing works of art for his family. Tom was a “simple man”, the “king of one liners”, and had a big presence without speaking a word. Most of all he was a man with a wealth of love for his family who were his biggest treasure.

Tom will be deeply missed by his wife, Ronnie; children, Thomas J. (Colette) Smith, II, Carol (Jeff) Gray, Laura (Chuck) Reeves, Debbie (Spence) Wilson and David (Stephanie) Smith; grandchildren, Megan (Adam) Tompa, Emily (Sean) McCarthy, Thomas J. Smith, III, Lily and Wil Smith, Spencer and Andrew Gray, Jordan, Julia and Sarah Reeves, Jac and Peyton Wilson and Charlie “Charlie Cheeks” Smith; great grandchildren, Max and Penelope Tompa, Everleigh and Benny McCarthy; sisters, Rosemary (Arthur) Moulton, Kristine ( Mike) VanGuilder and Kathy (Richard) Cruz; many nieces and nephews, including his special nephew, Paul Martinez; and his friend, Brent (Michele) Baskin. He was predeceased by his brother, David Smith.

Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 28, 2023, at W. L. Case and Company, 4480 Mackinaw Road. Pastor Billy Petty will officiate with military burial in St. Andrew Cemetery, under the auspices of the United States Army and American Legion Post #439. Friends may visit the family on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the chapel and on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Special Operations Wounded Warriors.