Thomas Marshall Smith

Thomas Marshall Smith was born on November 22, 1958 in Houston, Texas, to Joan and Gordon Smith. Tommy was active in Boy Scouts, Little League baseball and Luther League, and graduated from Ross S. Sterling High School in Baytown. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, Class of 1981, with a degree in physical education. Tommy was a huge part of Aggie student life, as a Fish Camp director with Student Y, a resident advisor, and member of many intramural sports teams. In his early career, Tommy was a much-loved teacher and coach at Gentry Junior High in Baytown, where he met his wife, Cheryl. They were married on December 10, 1983. Tommy had a long career with scholastic services and felt like his work was more of a calling than a job due to his love and appreciation for students and educators. Tommy was an accomplished and highly sought after volunteer in many groups, including Bands of America, Houston Golf Association, and Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Most recently, Tommy was the front ensemble coordinator for Bands of America at all of their Texas and Grand National Performances; Vice President for Operations for the Shell Houston Open Golf Tournament; and a team leader and committee chair for the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo. Most importantly, he was a tireless supporter of his sons, Taylor and Tanner, and threw himself into all of their sports and music activities with unbridled enthusiasm. He was president of the band booster organizations at the boys' schools in Austin and Sugar Land, and traveled as a parent volunteer with the Carolina Crown, Capital Regiment and Cavaliers organizations in Drum Corps International.Tommy was a man of God, raised in the Lutheran church, and baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. He lived that faith reflecting Christ in all he did. He was deeply loved and respected by his family, friends and colleagues. For his family, he laid the foundation for a life marked by togetherness and shared experiences, and set enduring examples of grace, humor and responsibility. He was known for introducing himself to strangers and making them feel welcome, and he and Cheryl developed close and long-lasting relationships with their neighbors in both Austin and Richmond. He was a master storyteller and could make you laugh and cry all at the same time. A true servant leader, everyone who knew Tommy also knew his huge heart and spirit. His is an enduring legacy. He will be deeply and forever missed by us all. Tommy is survived by his wife of 33 years, Cheryl Lynn Vermillion Smith of Richmond, Taylor Smith (son) and Thallia Malespin (fiancée) of Philadelphia, Tanner (son) and Corey Smith of Frisco, Joan (mother) Smith of Yorktown and San Antonio, Marcy (sister) and Mark Probst of Katy, Sharon (sister) Smith of San Antonio, Allison (sister), Jason, and Jack (nephew) Mull, of North Richland Hills, and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon Smith. Visitation will be Monday, December 5 from 5pm – 9pm at Settegast-Kopf at Sugar Creek, 15015 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77478. Celebration of Life services will be Tuesday, December 6 at 1:00pm preceded by visitation at noon at Living Word Lutheran Church, 3700 S. Mason Rd., Katy, TX 77450.

Memorials may be made to:
Bands of America
Music for All Development Department
39 W. Jackson Place, Suite 150
Indianapolis, IN 46255-1010

Houston Golf Association/First Tee
5810 Wilson Road, Suite 112
Humble, TX 77396

Carolina Crown
227-A Main St.
Fort Mill, SC 29715

The ARC of Fort Bend County
123 Brooks St.
Sugar Land, TX 77478

Houston Rodeo Association
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo
P.O. Box 20070
Houston, TX 77225

Wakeland High School Band
10502 Stargazer Dr
Frisco, TX 75033