Thomas Frederick Christopher Smith of Rockwall, Texas, passed away peacefully on Thursday March 19th at home, surrounded by his loving family.
Tom will be remembered as a kind, generous, and precious soul—the kind of man who never met a dog that didn’t like him and never found a subject he wasn’t curious about. He had a lifelong love of learning and found joy in space, animals, comedy, Native American culture, photography, coins, antiques, books, and more.
Tom was born on October 12, 1940 in Andover, New York. He spent his childhood trapping and hunting around local ponds and playing baseball, soccer, and wrestling. He continued playing soccer through all four years of college. He attended The United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York before transferring to Maine Maritime Academy, where he graduated in 1964.
He went on to spend 10 years sailing around the world as a steam engineer in the Merchant Marines. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1982 and from the Coast Guard in 1986.
After returning home, Tom settled back in Andover, where he started his real estate business, opened Tom’s ’Tique Shop, and ran a Christmas tree farm with his brother, Mike. All that while beginning a 28-year career with Dresser-Rand, retiring in 1996. He was the first president of the Andover Lions Club and helped start the annual Maple Festival.
In 1976, Tom married Ann Dunham, and together they raised three children: Jennifer, Thomas, and Mary. They purchased a farm on North Hill Road in Wellsville, where they renovated their home and planted another Christmas tree farm. Tom stayed active hunting, camping in their RV, making real estate deals, and being deeply involved in his children’s lives.
In 2003, Tom and Ann made a bold move—selling nearly everything to relocate to Fairbanks, Alaska, where they spent six years exploring what he loved to call “the Final Frontier.” They later moved to Rockwall, Texas, to be closer to family.
In 2011, Tom became “Poppy” to his beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Moran. He could often be found picking them up from school, cheering them on at baseball and soccer games, or even attending the occasional cheer practice—roles he treasured deeply.
Tom is survived by his wife, Ann Smith; his daughters, Jennifer Moran (Mike) and Mary Henigan (Charles); his grandchildren, Ryan and Rachel Moran; and his brothers, Michael Smith and Daniel Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Mary Monica Smith; his brother, Theodore Smith; his sister, Mary Ellen Abou-Eid; his son, Thomas Robert Smith; his grandson, Lucas Henigan; nephew Kevin Smith.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 28, at 4:00 PM at the residence of Ann Smith, 2427 Costly Court, Fate, Texas. All are welcome to come share memories and celebrate Tom’s life.
