Thomas Lee Smith Jr.

Thomas Lee “Tom” Smith, Jr. of Atlanta passed away on February 9, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer and heart disease. The son of Thomas Lee Smith, Sr. and Bertha Pauline Lemons, Tom was born in Albemarle, NC in 1929. During his youth he lived with his grandparents on a tenant farm. He overcame many obstacles and became an accomplished businessman and respected attorney. In his late teens, Tom moved to Orlando, FL where he graduated from high school. Later in 1948, he moved to Atlanta, working for Scripto Inc. and Williams Printing Company. Tom enlisted in the U.S. Army and was subsequently stationed in Atlanta during the Korean War where he felt personally responsible for successfully keeping the “enemy” out of our city. After the war, Tom founded the Accurate Printing Company in Buckhead. While growing his business, Tom was always seeking ways to advance himself. At 34, he completed his B.B.A. from Georgia State University. After graduating from Atlanta Law School he became a member of the Georgia Bar at 48. An accomplished and passionate golfer, Tom scored under his age on numerous occasions and also was a long time holder of the course record at Dunwoody Country Club. He served as president of Dunwoody Country Club and Berkeley Hills Country Club. An avid walker until his very late years, Tom could often be found walking around Chastain Park with his wife, Eunice. He was also a Mason and a Kiwanian and enjoyed working with other members of both organizations for worthy causes. Eunice and Tom married in 1993. Their twenty-four year marriage was one full of joy and devotion to their children and grandchildren. Both shared a passion for ballroom dancing and travel and developed many lifelong friends through these activities. Of most importance was Tom’s dedication to his entire family. Affectionatley known as “GranTom” to his grandchildren, he thoroughly enjoyed being an active part of their academic and athletic accomplishments. Tom is survived by his wife, Eunice Swift Watkins Smith; siblings, James A. Mabe, Jr., Donnie B. Mabe and John M. Mabe all of metropolitan Atlanta, Paula P. Randall and Nellie L. Legare of Orlando, FL; step-son, Robert Cameron Watkins, III and his wife Stewart Lathan; and step-grandchildren, Bonnie Cameron Watkins, Robert Cameron Watkins, IV and Carrick Gray Mollenkamp, Jr. Tom was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara; children, Sandra P. Smith and Stuart Randolph Smith; and brother, William R. Smith. A celebration of his life will be held in the Kellett Chapel at Peachtree Presbyterian Church on February 17 at 2 o’clock with a reception following the service. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions give to the American Cancer Society, Peachtree Presbyterian Church, The Atlanta Union Mission or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to express its gratitude to The Piedmont Heart Institute and The Piedmont Cancer Institute.