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Thomas Smith Obituary
Tom was born in Oxford, N.C., a son of the late Thomas Earle and Margaret Osterhout Smith. He was a 1956 graduate of Laurinburg, N.C. High School, where he was student body president. A graduate of Davidson College and the University of South Carolina School of Law, he was admitted to the S.C. Bar in 1963. While at Davidson, he was co-captain of the Davidson Swimming Team, setting the record in the backstroke, which stood for many years, and was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Always active in community affairs, he was a member of Pamplico United Methodist Church, where he was a member of the choir. He was former President of Pamplico Jaycees. He was a Mason and a member of the Omar Temple.
He practiced law with the late James P. "Spot" Mozingo from 1963-1965, and opened his law practice in Pamplico in 1965. In addition to his practice, he was General Counsel for Pee Dee Electric Cooperative for 30 years.
Tom was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives for 3 terms from 1967-1972, and was then elected to the S.C. Senate in 1972, where he served through 1987. He later represented District 2 on Florence County Council from 1998-2004, and was the first Councilman to be elected as Council Chairman for 3 consecutive terms. He was awarded the Order of The Palmetto by Gov. Carroll Campbell in 1991 for his selfless service to his community and state.
He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Elizabeth Eulalia "Betsy" Munn Smith of Pamplico; daughters and sons-in-law, Mary Dresden Smith Floyd and Scott Poston Floyd of Pamplico and Amy Louise Smith Askins and Robert William "Bill" Askins of Friendfield; Grandchildren; Thomas Preston Floyd of Columbia, Mary Caroline Floyd, Drayton Scott Floyd, Mary Palmer Askins, and Elizabeth Sue Askins; 2 sisters; Marjorie (Loren) Elliott of Belleville, IL.
and Susan (Shepard) Spear of North Reading, MA; one niece and 3 nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Karl S. Smith.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, April 3, 2010 in the Pamplico United Methodist Church. Interment, with Masonic Rites, will follow in Woodside Cemetery, directed by Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence.
The family will receive friends from 2-3:00 P.M. Saturday in the church fellowship hall.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pamplico United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 277 Pamplico, S.C. 29583 or to McLeod Hospice House, Po Box 100551, Florence, S.C. 29502 or to a charity of one's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Smith
Cynthia Parks
April 14, 2010
Was sorry to hear of Mr.Smith passing, he was special.
Barry Tomlinson
April 13, 2010
I am saddened to hear of Tom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith Family.
Betty Tharin
April 7, 2010
Senator Smith's efforts on behalf of adoptees and birthparents will always be appreciated by me. He touched the lives of many. May God bless his family.
Skip Hardin
April 7, 2010
To the Family of Senator Smith, It certainly doesn't need to be said, but it should be, Senator Smith was one of the best among us, a true gentleman, well respected and highly thought of by all those he happened to come across. He brightened many a day by his countenance and demeanor. It was an honor and a pleasure to have worked with him. My condolences to those who so loved him.
Paul de Holczer
April 7, 2010
I had a case against a client of Tom's and found him to be forthright, upright, honest, scrupulous, courteous, gentlemanly and the model of a good attorney. I extend my sincere condolences to his family. The South Carolina Bar and the State of South Carolina have lost a true gentleman. It should be of some comfort that his high standards were recognized, admired and appreciated. God bless his family! --Paul D. de Holczer, Esq.
Bob Merritt
April 7, 2010
I worked with Senator Smith in the Golden Age of the S.C. Senate in the 1980's and 1990's. Senator Smith was the epitome of a Southern Gentleman. He always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. I know he will be missed by his family and friends, but the State of South Carolina will miss him also. I wish we had more like him in Columbia.
April 6, 2010
Dear Members of the Smith Family, My deepest thoughts are with you at this sad time. Smitty was the finest friend that I was privileged to know, respect and admire in high school. He certainly will be missed by so many whose lives he touched with his gentleness and kindness.
Annette Greene-Mayes
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Gwendolyn James
April 5, 2010
Ms. Smith and family, please know that my deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all. I feel the pain deeply. Please continue to know that our wise God is more than enough for you, as you proceed beyond this point. Miss Mr. Smith, "Smitty" but let him rest in the peace that he worked so hard to attain. God Bless you, and I will be in touch soon.
Bettielee McAlister
April 5, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Bettielee Huggins McAlister Timmonsville, SC
Mike Alexander
April 4, 2010
Dear Mrs. Smith, Amy and Dresden,
I have fond memories of Mr. Smith from living in Pamplico and know you will miss him. My family and I will be praying for you during this difficult time. May the God of all comfort and peace guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Mike Alexander
Rogers, Arkansas
April 4, 2010
Dear Smith family,
Though I don't know you, I was very close to Tom during our years at Laurinburg High School and admired him a lot. He was a good leader and a good friend.
God bless you.
Jack Peacock
El Paso TX
Chip Steele
April 4, 2010
Betsy,
Chip and I were so sorry to learn of Tom's death. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve over the loss of your beloved. Sincerest sympathy, Chip and Wanda Steele
Bosie Martin
April 4, 2010
Dear Family,
I DO consider myself as part of your family as Senator Smith was such a dear friend as well as mentor. I will treasure our memories on the road together. May the God of Love and Peace comfort you and yours during these difficult moments. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Robert Brown
April 3, 2010
Mrs. Betsy and family, so sorry to learn of Tom's death, I was just asking a mutual friend about him a couple of weeks ago. In addition to his many years of outstanding service to our state and to Florence County, Tom also served Marion County well for many years as our Senator and a member of our legislative delegation. He always took a genuine interest in Marion County and it was my pleasure to work closely with him for many years. Our thoughts and our prayers are with you and your family.
Willie James Becoat
April 3, 2010
To The Family of Attorney Thomas Smith,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of your bereavement. He was always there for us for counsel and guidance.
We will miss him greatly.
Willie James Becoat and family
Marshield Ann Becoat
Marilyn Becoat Royal and Family
April 3, 2010
Amy and Family,
So sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was a very special man. Our prayers are with you.
Ricky, Doralynn, Jamie and Ashley Yarborough (Effingham,SC)
April 3, 2010
Betsy: Our sympathy to you and your family. Maggie & Rip Head
ROBERT @ GLORIA NOWLIN
April 3, 2010
MR.@MRS. SCOTT FLOYD. OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME. THOMAS OB SAID HE WAS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP OTHERS. I SUPPOSED HE SET A PERFECT
EXAMPLE FOR YOU SCOTT. WHILE THE PAIN OF YOUR LOSS
WILL EASE WITH TIME, THE MEMORIES OF HIS LIFE WILL LAST
FOREVER.
Gail McCutcheon
April 3, 2010
Amy, I am so sorry to learn of your fathers death. May our Lord give you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Robbie McLaughlin
April 3, 2010
I was sorry to learn of the passing of Tom. He help me start my journey thru the Masonic degrees while I was teaching in Pamplico. He was an outstanding public servant and a true Southern Gentleman. He was also a great friend. May God comfort the family during this difficult time.
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