Thomas James Smith, Jr., 87, of Clermont, passed away Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Thomas was born the youngest of two children to Thomas and Lillie (Kirkland) Smiith in Emmanuel County, Georgia in 1936.  He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Lillie Smith, sister Marion Slater. He was known as Tommy, Jr, and Lucky. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson high school in Elizabeth, New Jersey in 1954.
Shortly after graduating Thomas enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Topeka Kansas (Forbes AFB) where he met the love of his life Twila McKay, and they married 3 March 1957. Thom has been married to Twila for 66 years and their union has blessed them with a daughter and son, Collette and Keith.

He was stationed in New Mexico, Philippines, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Viet Nam, Thailand, New Jersey, Spain and California.

Thom was blessed with many talents and prided himself on his God-given ability to produce something from nothing. He could fix anything. He loved working in the flower beds to make the landscapes beautiful for the Lord. He loved Florida State University, playing his drums, listening to music, and working at church.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, daughter, Collette Smith and Son, Keith A Smith and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He is the grandfather of 2 grandchildren, Autumn (Bryan) McCool, and Antonio Alvarez. Thom has 5 extra ordinary great grands, R'Mani Coleman, Christian Jackson, Phoenix, Ayden, and Aubreana McCool. He also was blessed to have two families adopt us as his dad. Sean and Carolyn Pankalla, and Dan and Deanna Kemp, which gave us 7:  more grandchildren. Preston, Olivia, Alexis, Lauren, Crystal, Olivia, and Abeela. God had blessed Thom for many years.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 21, 2023, 10am at First Baptist Church of Clermont.  Interment will follow with Military Honors at Florida National Cemetery at 2pm.  The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 20, 2023 from 5pm until 8pm at Becker Funeral Home.

IUn lieu of flowers, a monetary donation to the family would be appreciated.