The Athens native graduated from Cedar Shoals High School and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He worked as a welder and was an avid UGA Football fan and also enjoyed watching Braves Baseball and NASCAR, as well as, hunting and fishing.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lewis "R.L." Smith and Mary Jean Smith; sister, Janice Wilkes; brother, Robert Terry Smith; and paternal grandparents, Bob and Lois Smith and maternal grandparents, John and Sallie Whelchel.
He is survived by his sister, Jill Griffin and her husband, Brian of Jefferson; brother-in-law, John Wilkes of Bogart; nieces and nephews, Boone Wilkes and his wife, Sherry of Jefferson; Bretta Hanley and her husband, Austin of Bogart; Briana Massa and her husband, Frank of Buford; Bralee Housworth and her husband, Michael of Maysville; and Braxton Griffin of Jefferson; uncle, James Smith and his wife, Sharon of Stephens; and aunt, Martha Jones, Bogart; numerous cousins and extended family.
A graveside funeral service will be held 3:30 PM Monday, September 27, 2021 in Evergreen Memorial Park.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
