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Thomas Smith Obituary


Thomas W. Smith Jr. RICHMOND - Thomas W. Smith Jr., 89, formerly of Virginia Beach, passed away peacefully Oct. 23, 2008, after a prolonged illness. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth Wright Smith; two sons, Thomas W. III (Rosie) and David (Angela); and four grandchildren, Andrew (Shannon), Leslie, Kyle and Claire. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Alice Tillotson; a brother, Hugh McIntyre Smith; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Beryl and a sister, Beryl Beam Wiltshire. A fighter pilot in World War II, Tom retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Air Force in 1964. He retired in 1991 from his second career teaching math and coaching golf at Cox High School in Virginia Beach. He was a member of the Princess Anne Country Club and on the Board of Directors of the VSGA. He was passionate about junior golf and was the recipient of the VSGA's highest honor, the President's Award, in 2000. Friends and family will be welcomed at Bliley's-Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Road, Tuesday between 6 and 8 p.m. Services will be held at Bliley's Wednesday at 2 p.m. Interment to follow in Westhampton Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Alzheimer's Association, Greater Richmond Chapter, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, VA 23060.



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Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Oct. 26 to Oct. 27, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
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Michael Davis

October 28, 2008

I will always remember Mr. Smith as an incredibly warm and kind man. My dad, Jefferson Davis, who was Mr. Smith's principal for a time at Cox, always thought so much of him. I then had the great pleasure of getting to know him during my high school golf career at First Colonial. He touched so many lives in such a positive way. I'm so sorry to hear of his illness, and his passing, and I want to extend my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.

Betsy Craig

October 28, 2008

Lib, We have been out of touch for some time, but when I saw Tom's death in the paper, I immediately thought of past memories of my parents (Emily & "Red" Craig) regarding Tom's parents & Mrs. Bailey and all of those trips to N.C., which they all seemed to enjoy, and which I remember very well. I know it will be a big void in your life, now, but time will put a healing touch on your heart and life. Take care, and know that your friends here in Richmond love you and want the best for you. Please keep in touch.

bill waller

October 27, 2008

tom and i rated a lot of golf courses in va.

Tom Sutterfield

October 27, 2008

Tommy and Family:

Hold your memories close to your heart, they are treasures that no one can ever take away.

Lee Peebles Bereavement Counselor

October 27, 2008

On behalf of all the staff at Bon Secours Hospice and Palliative Care we wish to extend to the friends and family our deepest sympathy and ongoing support. We hope and pray you will find peace with time. Please feel free to contact me anytime if I can be of help.

Anne Marie Campbell

October 26, 2008

Lib, Tom, Rosie, David and Angie, Leslie, Andy and Shannon,

Tom is in a better place! He has left a terrible disease behind and a loving family who will harbor great memories for years to come. He will have no wait for tee times now!You were all there for him; He will now watch over you.
Love, Anne Marie & Sam

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