Thomas "Tommy" Paul Smith

Thomas “Tommy” Paul Smith Sr., of Hope Mills, NC, gained his angel wings, on April 12, 2021, at home surrounded by his family.  A Celebration of His Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Stoney Point Baptist Church in Fayetteville, with Aaron Wilson, Duncan Edge, and Cameron McGill officiating.  Visitation will take place one hour prior to the ceremony at the church.  Burial will take place on Sunday, April 18, 2021 at 11:00 am located at Garland Cemetery in Garland, NC.  Those wishing to attend are encouraged to wear a mask and practice social distance guidelines.

Tommy, was born on October 11, 1948, in Altoona, PA, to the late Morton and Mildred White Smith. He is also preceded in death by his two sisters, Darlene Klinehan and Gloria Proctor, and brother, Wayne Smith. He served in the US Army as a Military Police Officer in Panama during the Vietnam War.  He continued his federal service career for forty-one years, before retirement.  Becoming restless, he chose to return to the workforce, working part-time for NAPA, until March 2020, when he decided to permanently retire to spend more time with his family.

He leaves to cherish his memories, the love of his life, his devoted wife, Iris Long Smith, of 49 years, almost a half a century.  In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Thomas Paul Smith Jr. and wife Tanya, William Corey Smith and wife Susan, and his only daughter, Christy Smith Alderson and husband Steven.  He was blessed with 8 grandsons, Robert Wright, Timothy Smith, Taylor Smith, Will Smith, Hunter Smith, Kyle Alderson, Zachary Smith, and Camryn Alderson.

Tommy will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  He had a heart of gold and never met a stranger.  He was such a sweet spirit and always stood for what was right and what he believed in.  Heaven gained an amazing angel and while we have sorrow for his earthly presence, we rejoice knowing that he is in his eternal home running with Jesus.