Thomas J. "Tom" Smith's Obituary
Thomas J. “Tom” Smith of Gainesville, Florida went home to be with the Lord on his 85th birthday, November 14, 2015. He was the only child of G.W. and Luna West Smith of Canada, Kentucky.
He married his high school sweetheart, Betty and they moved to Gainesville, FL after spending 6 years together in Ypsilanti, MI. Tom and Betty shared 66 memorable years together. He was devoted to his family and provided for their well-being through his career in sales.
Tom enjoyed traveling and was fortunate enough to visit 49 of 50 states. His hobbies included college football, Kentucky Wildcats basketball, NASCAR and southern gospel music.
He was an active member at Gainesville Baptist Church and loved serving the Lord.
He is survived by his wife, Betty of 66 years, his two daughters, Tery (Bill-deceased) Tallent of Gainesville, FL and Lisa (Robert) Stepp of Lakeland, FL; two grandsons, Jason Tallent of Lakeland, FL and Josh (Jennifer) Tallent of Gainesville, FL; and three precious great-grandchildren, Zac and Aubrey Tallent of Lakeland, FL and Hannah Tallent of Gainesville, FL . His extended family includesBob Blackburn of Ypsilanti, MI, Carol Blackburn of Ypsilanti, MI, Lee and Karen Stauffer of Lakeland, FL and Melissa (Eric) and Parker Kant also of Lakeland, FL.
Family will receive friends on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at WILLIAMS-THOMAS FUENRAL HOME WESTAREA, 823 NW 143rd Street, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Gainesville Baptist Church, 3570 NW 16th Blvd. with pastor Brad Noble officiating on Friday, November 20, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Gainesville Baptist Church building fund, 3570 NW 16th Blvd., Gainesville, FL 32605.
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