Thomas Edward Smith

Thomas Edward Smith was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 8, 1946, to Cecilia Marie Cauchon Smith and her first husband, Joseph Smith. Thomas’s late younger brother, Michael Joseph, was born two years later. Two years after that, Cecilia and Joseph divorced, and Cecilia eventually met and married Raymon Lee Shmigal. Then came Thomas’s other three siblings, his late brother, Raymon Lee (deceased), and sisters, Darrlynn Rae (Bob) Conz and Marion Denise (Glenn) Ouelette, who both live in the Detroit area.

Tom’s only child, Krista Love, was born while he was living in California in 1971. While there, Thomas earned his Master Electrician Certification, which served him well throughout his life, and culminated in the joy he got from teaching others while sharing his passion for the profession through business in California, Washington D.C., Virginia and North Carolina, where he met his wife, Deborah.

Tom loved the LORD ~ he always said “God first ~ Family second ~ and everything else is incidental. Tom had a heart for John Wesley and the Methodist movement and the Apostle Paul. While attending Bethlehem Methodist Church in Statesville, Tom served as Lay Leader for many years, along with teaching Men’s Study. He had a heart for Missions and spoke frequently about his favorite mission trip to Nicaragua, that changed his life.

Tom also “volunteered” his electrical talents at LIFESPAN, and also served as the Chairperson for Iredell’s Board of Visitors, working to support people with developmental disabilities.

Tom loved teaching young students. After retiring from the electrical business, Tom began teaching at CVCC ~ he said the “best” was saved for last. Tom retired from that position 5 times, each time the “would you” call came, he would return.

Tom loved golf and was an avid follower of Tiger Woods. He also loved science ~ space ~ logic ~ and electricity. He also enjoyed the water ~ boating and fishing. And if you knew Tom, there was getting around the fact that he loved Donald Trump and believed in change for our nation.

In addition to wife Deborah, Krista, and his two sisters, Tom is survived by three grandchildren, Zachariah Gross, Jarred Gross (Alex), Dominique Astin (Brian), and great-grandson, Alexander Thomas.

Tom was blessed with Bonus children and grandchildren that include Tammy Wever (Marc), Lisa Murdock (Chad) and Jill Mercer.

Grandchildren Richard Little (Neah), Jessica Lewandowski (Charles), Brandon Allen (Sydney), Jordan Allen (Lilee), Brandi Little, Whitney Anderson (Jarred), Zachary Mercer, and Alexander Mercer (Jaden).

Great grandchildren: Jada, Jayden, Makaila, Ryder, Louis and Weston. Also a host of nieces and nephews along with very special friends.

Tom was supported by wonderful doctors, nurses and therapists through the years. His family would like to acknowledge Dr. Douglas Miller (Hickory), Dr. Naim Bouhussein (Statesville), Dr. Roger Hatharasinghe (Statesville), and Dr. Christopher Hunt (Hickory). Tom’s Family express their sincere thanks to care given him at Iredell Memorial Hospital and Gordon’s Hospice House this past month.

Tom often said his later years were his very best, and he spent them living out his love for the Lord and his family.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 19 from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm at Bethlehem Methodist Church, with the service beginning at 2:00 pm, with Pastor Matt Nichols officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make an offering of remembrance of Tom to Bethlehem Methodist Men’s Ministries or the Gordon Hospice House, both in Statesville, NC.

Arrangements for Thomas Smith are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.