Thomas Smith Obituary

Thomas Smith

Jackson

Architect Thomas Henry Smith, 84, died peacefully with his family present in his Jackson home November 19, 2012.

He was born June 5, 1928 to the late Clarence Marcus Smith and Cora Desma Taylor Smith in Union, Mississippi. He served as a U. S. Navy Hospital Corpsman from 1946-48. He graduated with an Architecture degree from Auburn University in 1954.

His architectural career spanned 56 years, retiring December 2011. He began at Biggs, Weir, Chandler, then founded Thomas H. Smith & Associates. He closed his practice while in his 70's to join the respected firm of JH&H Architects.

Mr Smith's interests in architecture were complimented by his study of Mississippi's 150 years of postal history. He collected books by Mississippi authors and on Mississippi history. He was devoted to community service, donating countless hours to pursuits such as Brown School, Stewpot and Grace Place.

Thomas Henry Smith is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nellie Brown Smith, his daughter and son in law, Janet Marie Smith and Bart Harvey of Baltimore, MD, daughter Susan Elliott of Jackson, MS, grandchildren, Ellen, Taylor , Rob Elliott and Bart, Nellie, Jack (John Thomas)Harvey, brother, William F. Smith and wife, Pam Smith of Houston and sister, Judy Smith Odom and husband, Charles Ralph Odom of Mobile, Alabama and sister-in-law, Syamsidar Smith of Pekanbaru, Indonesia, He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Clarence Marcus Smith Jr.

Mr. Smith was a member of Galloway United Methodist Church, where he and Nell were married in 1954. He served on the Board of Trustees at Galloway and was a Stephens Minister. He was a member of the Exchange Club and Past President of the MS Chapter of the American institute of Architects and Past President of the MS State Chapter of. Construction Specifications Institute.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 21 at 11:00 AM Visitation at 10:00 AM at Galloway, 305 North Congress Street, Jackson, MS 39201. Memorial gifts can be made to Galloway United Methodist Church or GMC outreach mission program, Grace Place.

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Published by Clarion Ledger on Nov. 20, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Smith

6 Entries

Natalie Guckert

January 24, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Mr. Smith was an exceptional human being and great Architect. I was lucky to encounter Mr. Tommy at JH&H while working as an intern before my 4th year of Architecture at Mississippi State. I will think of him for not only his kindness, love of his church, and enthusiasm for the field, but his willingness to share knowledge and educate others. I always think of him when I draw certain details and remember him taking the time to pull out a product book and teach me about crucial building elements even though I was just an intern. I coincidentally learned algebra from his daughter, Susan, as a Jr. High student at Jackson Academy and was also fortunate that he introduced me to Janet Marie when I moved to Baltimore after graduation from architecture school. He spoke highly of both, and I know that inspiration lead me to believe that I just might also be able to accomplish great things in this profession. Again, I'm so sad to just now hear of this loss and am thankful for the joy of meeting Mr. Smith.
May God grant you comfort while you continue to grieve this great loss.

Bradley Wallace

November 28, 2012

Smith family,

I had the pleasure of working for Mr. Smith in the summers of 1987 and 1988 prior to entering 5th year and after graduation. He was my first employer in the architectural field and I have always regarded him as among the greatest architects I have ever known - not for the grand structures he created (in my time with him, we had modest projets for long standing clients)or the big commissions he garnered over his many years of practice (I never got the impression that he was looking for big paydays and high profile exposure) and not even for his technical abilities (which were more impressive as I worked for more and more "younger" architects)- no, Mr. Smith was impressive as an architect for the same reasons he was impressive as a person . . . he was warm and helpful, patient and willing to share his knowledge to help others grow and he was fair and humble. In my experience, genuine, Biblical humiliy is a rare thing anywhere . . . but certainly in the architectural profession. I enjoyed many afternoons in the office and trips back from client meetings with him discussing his interest in postal architecture. And, he was very helpful in giving advice to me as a young aspiring architect as well as a young man.

I am sorry for your loss and also for the loss to our profession. I pray God's best in the days to come for you and your family and please know that Mr. Smith affected many people for the good in his life and many of them you may not meet until we see each other in heaven.

God's blessings to you.

Jay Howell

November 20, 2012

Dear Smith Family; so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Mr. Smith with a smile on his face and his pipe in his pocket. Your family's support during the loss our my parents (Jack & Pat Howell) will always be appreciated and never forgotten. He will be missed.

Tony Dardeau

November 20, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.