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T.C. Smith Obituary
Dr. Smith, a native of Pineville, Louisiana, was born June 5, 1915 to the late Denon Smith and Lillian Lee Corley Smith. Husband of the late Ellen Stewart Smith, he was a graduate of Louisiana College, Southern Seminary, Louisville, KY, and University of Edinburgh, Scotland. Also, he did graduate study at Oxford University, Union Theological Seminary and Hebrew Union College. His career included professorships at Southern Seminary, University of Chicago, Graduate Theological Union - Berkley, CA, and Furman University. During World War II, he served as a navy chaplain. He retired as a Captain after 30 years in the Naval Reserve Chaplain Corp.
He was a deacon and former member of the First Baptist Church, Greenville and currently a member of Kathwood Baptist Church, Columbia. Dr. Smith authored 13 books, and at the time of his death was working on "Religious Themes in Shakespeare."
Surviving are his sons, Scot Smith of Columbia; Skip Smith and his wife Yvonne of Columbia; grandchildren, Griffin Smith of Columbia; Ann Smith of Columbia; Sam Smith of Columbia; Taylor Schneider and her husband John of Greenville; Jennifer Payne and her husband Steven of Greenville; J.R. Shull of Chapin; Jessica Seel and her husband Joe of Chapin; Mandy Bagnal of Columbia; great grandchildren, Jillian and Macy Schneider; Brennan, Spencer and Hayden Payne; Libby and Brice Bagnal; sisters Thelma Amos of Jacksonville, FL; Anita Duke of Pineville, LA; and Gwendolyn Richard of Slidell, LA; daughter-in-law Vicky Smith and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made in honor of his beloved wife, Ellen Stewart Smith, to the Alzheimer's Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Ill 60601.
Please sign the online guest book at www.dunbarfunerals.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for T.C. Smith
OMCS Peter W. Bednar -USN-ret
November 12, 2019
Chaplain Smith and I held many military funerals together during the 1970's. He was a true gentlemen, superb Naval Officer, and wonderful chaplain to our shipmates and families in need.
Benjamin Barker
November 20, 2011
Dr. Smith was a great man. I only met him a handful of times and he was always witty, sharp, and full of great opinion but overwhelming with kindness at the same time, which we all know can be difficult at times. I am his great nephew and am here with his sister Gewndolyn and niece Nancy right now, and miss him dearly. We all appreciate your thoughts and prayers and we all know where he is now and it makes heaven a far greater place.
Gretchen Bunch
November 20, 2011
I have fond memories of Uncle T.C. and will always remember his great sense of humor. Darden and I were able to have some good visits with him and Aunt Ellen when they lived in Simpsonville.
Whenever we had a phone conversation, Uncle T.C. would remark on my college football team (FSU) which made me feel "special" because he watched the games & knew what was going on.
Sam Hodges
November 20, 2011
I regret not having taken a course with T.C. Smith, but I was in a play with him at Furman - "You Can't Take It With You." He insisted on being treated like any other cast member, so we called him "T.C." and didn't censor much if any of our conversation. He held up, and was a pleasure to be around. On the final night, as we were doing the curtain call, the audience began to throw things at us. My first thought was a question: Were we that bad? No! The projectiles were flowers, tossed at T.C. by friends who had come to show their love and support. I've been made aware that he was not only a great scholar but someone willing to take a stand for civil rights when that came at a cost. Furman was lucky to have had him as a longtime faculty member.
November 19, 2011
Skip and Scot, I have the fondest memories of both of your parents...growing up under their watchful eyes (along with my wonderful parents, too). How lucky we are to have had them all for so many years. Know that you and your families and in our thoughts and prayers.
Marie Clay Hall, Greenville
David Tribble
November 19, 2011
Dr. Smith advised me throughout my years at Furman. He worked with me on my senior project on the role of the chaplain in the armed forces, and he spoke at my ordination. I always enjoyed his company and that wonderful sense of humor. Dr. Smith was a scholar and a man that I greatly respected. My condolences to the family and all who knew this wonderful man.
Harriet Dishman Clark
November 19, 2011
Your dad was one of the finest men I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He and your mom meant so much to my parents. I don't know if you know that your dad officiated at all 3 of our weddings.(Eileen's, Marsha's, and mine)He will be missed, but we all know where this wonderful man is now. I hope he, Mother, Daddy, and Ellen are all sitting around together laughing and chatting. God bless you all and remember how fortunate you were to have him as your dad for so many years.
Cynthia Scott Ries
November 19, 2011
T.C. Smith took over our introductory religion course about this late autumn time of year when L.D. Johnson first required a medical leave of absence. How I came to love and respect T.C. Always unassuming, never arrogant but a prince of a man. It is difficult to weigh where he was more gifted. Was he markedly emotionally kind and balanced by nature, or was it his intellect that was endlessly sharp and impressive? He supervised my senior thesis on US/Middle East relations because he had spent a lot of time there and he had perspective. The definition of a true scholar but an even better man. The kind of professor that makes Furman a great community. Condolences to those who knew and loved him best, with fond respect from a former student.
JoAnn Weathers
November 18, 2011
I remember T.C. as a very warm and wonderful man who made such an impact on our world! I am so sorry for your loss but know you can celebrate the life he lived!
Kathy Rochester
November 18, 2011
Skip,
I recognized your Dad's name in the Greenville News and looked to make sure my memory was correct - by finding your name. (We went to Elementary school together at Armstrong.)
I am so sorry for your lost -
May GOD Bless you and your family with peace and comfort in your time of need.
Jim Green
November 18, 2011
Louisville, Chicago, meetings of the 58er's, womderful phone conversations. I thought he would outlive me (81). A good life filled with humor and firmness.
November 17, 2011
Chaplin Smith accompanied me on many military funerals of our service men & women. It was a pleasure to know and serve in the Navy with him. Regards, Peter W. Bednar, OMCS-USN-ret
patty radvansky
November 17, 2011
scot & skip i am so very sorry for your loss. i never realized how much you both favored your father. I know where y'all get your good looks & charm from! you & your families are all in my prayers. please let me know if i can be of any help to either of you. may god bless you! love you both dearly.
patty
Emily Scott
November 17, 2011
Emily Scott
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
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Funeral services provided by:
Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive311 Century Drive, Greenville, SC 29607
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