Thomas Luther Smith – SoVaNOW: Home of the News, Records and The Mecklenburg Sun
Thomas Luther “Tom” Smith, 80, of 180 Reynoldson Road, died Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023, at Sentara Obichi Hospital, Suffolk.
Mr. Smith was born in Gatesville on January 11, 1943 and was one of five children born to the late John Lee Sr. and Genevieve Brown Smith. He attended Chowan College and later graduated from Atlantic Christian College before beginning his career in education by teaching at Chuckatuck High School and Suffolk High School. He later earned a master’s degree from Appalachian State University and a sixth-year diploma in vocational education and became principal of St. Timothy School in Raleigh. After moving to Virginia, he served as principal of elementary schools in Lawrenceville and taught GED classes in Brunswick County. After retirement he continued to help others continue their GED education.
He was active in the communities in which he lived, was a member of the South Hill Masonic Lodge #297, served as president of the South Hill Rotary Club, was a member and officer of the Gates Ruritan Club, and served as treasurer of the Gates. She was a member of the Jets Senior Men’s Club, a devoted member and deacon of the Reynoldson Baptist Church.
Surviving are his brothers, John Lee “Jack” Smith, Jr. (wife, Carol), Bradford Brown Smith (wife, Sandra, deceased), James Wayne “Jimmy” Smith, and Samuel Tracy Smith (wife, Debbie), all of Gates. ; four nieces, Megan Frank (Ben), Corey Ellas (Gary), Lindsay Broshears (Dan), and Nikki Smith (Corey); his nephews, John Lee Smith III (wife Melody) and Walter Smith (Lorraine); and two nieces, Hannah Ellas and Genevieve Jones.
The funeral was held on Saturday, November 18 at 2 pm at Reynoldson Baptist Church and officiated by his friend and pastor, Rev. Cody Brinkley. Burial in the church cemetery was followed by a reception in the communion hall.
The family received friends Friday from 5-7 PM in the fellowship hall of Reynoldson Baptist Church, or at other times friends are invited to visit any of the brother’s homes.
Flowers are welcomed, or contributions may be made in his memory to Reynoldson Baptist Church, P.O. 308, or to the Gates Ruritan Club, under the patronage of Don Gregory, P.O. 55, both in Gates, NC 27937.
Miller Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.
