Chip Smallwood

Thomas “Chip” Leo Smallwood III, 64, of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 17, 2024. A devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend, Chip was the heart of his family and a guiding light to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Chip is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Kim, his greatest love, sweetest friend, and the center of his world. Together, they created a life filled with laughter, adventures, and an unshakable bond that inspired everyone around them.

Chip also leaves behind his cherished daughters and their husbands: Morgan and Bryan Smallwood, Lauren and Eric Lyons, and Mariah and Jack Gentry. As the proudest “girl dad,” Chip treasured his daughters and supported them in their unique journeys with unwavering love, wisdom, and warmth. He embraced his sons-in-law as his own, modeling through his actions what it means to love selflessly and support others with kindness and respect.

Chip is also survived by his parents, Merle and Thomas Leo Smallwood Jr.; his sister, Lisa (Bill) Hamilton; his Mother-in-Law, Mary Buff and the Late Bill Buff. He deeply cherished his extended family, including his sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and the many friends who became like family to him.

Professionally, Chip had a distinguished career in banking, most recently serving as a Market Executive with J.P. Morgan Chase. His work was driven by a passion for helping others achieve their goals and contribute to the growth of vibrant communities. Known for his integrity, dedication, and compassion, Chip made a lasting impact on those he worked with, leaving a legacy of service and meaningful connections.

At home, Chip’s greatest joy was his family. He coached his daughters’ sports teams, cheered them on through every recital and play, and created countless joyful memories that will live on forever. Whether building a playhouse in the backyard for all the neighborhood kids to enjoy, dressing up for a funny family Christmas card, or carrying a pile of beach toys through the sand so his kids could have a perfect day by the water, Chip embraced every moment with humor, love, and boundless energy.

Chip believed that life’s greatest treasures are the people you share it with, and he showed his love through countless small acts of kindness. From leaving notes every morning for Kim to discover, to lending a helping hand to a stranger, he lived with a generosity that touched everyone he met. His presence brightened even the hardest moments, and his legacy of love, laughter, and service will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Chip was an avid sportsman, and his love for the game—on and off the court—reflected the way he lived his life: with joy, kindness, and an open heart. Whether it was tennis, golf, pickleball, or fishing, he found happiness in playing and connecting with others. His lifelong best friend once called him “the greatest natural-born athlete,” though his daughters lightheartedly admit his athletic genes didn’t quite pass down to them. A proud Auburn alum, Chip cheered on his alma mater's teams with unwavering loyalty—and his passion ran so deep, he might even be found glued to a cornhole tournament on TV, rooting as if it were the national championship.

Chip’s love for sports wasn’t confined to just playing; he shared it with Kim, and together, they enjoyed tennis, golf, and pickleball, finding joy in each other’s company on and off the court. Beyond athletics, Chip also shared a deep love of travel and adventure with Kim. Together, they explored the world with open hearts, creating a lifetime of memories in the places they visited and the people they met. Whether on the court, by the water, or halfway around the globe, Chip brought vibrant energy and genuine warmth to every moment, making each one brighter.

Above all, Chip will be remembered for the joy and light he brought to every room, his boundless selflessness, and his deep devotion to family and friends. He had an extraordinary ability to make everyone around him feel valued and seen, offering kindness and support without hesitation. His laughter, warmth, and ability to make every moment feel special will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Though he may no longer be with us, his impact will resonate for years to come, inspiring all of us to live with the same generosity, joy, and love he shared so freely.

A celebration of Chip’s life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Ridout's Valley Chapel Funeral Home, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, AL. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m., followed by the service at 4 p.m., with a reception to follow until 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Chip’s memory be made to the Ronald McDonald House via www.rmhca.org or Learning Excellence Through Tennis (LETT) via www.lettennis.org

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.

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