Franklin T. "Smitty" Smith

Smith, Franklin T. (Smitty) of Tampa, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on August 11, 2018. He was born May 27, 1934 to the late James William and Della Mae Smith in Winston-Salem, NC. He attended the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill where he met his wife, Geri, of 63 years. They moved to Tampa in the early 60’s. After a short time in the insurance business, he became affiliated with the Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop, of which he ultimately became the owner. Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop is a landmark in the Tampa community. It has been in existence for over 58 years. Currently, the shop is under the management and control of Smitty’s son, Gordon. Through the years Smitty opened 32 franchise locations of Edward’s from Florida to California. He traveled internationally throughout his career, developing relationships and sources of supply for the Edward’s shops. Smitty loved working at the shop, where his varied clientele became like members of his own family. He always had a kind word for everyone who came through the door, inquiring about their families or businesses and enjoying good conversation.

He enjoyed spending time with family and grandchildren during holidays, celebrations, and their sporting events. His hobbies included gardening, traveling, and he loved to dance. He is preceded in death by his siblings; brother James (Ann & Beth), sister Kathryn Butner (Dub), brother Roy Lee (Villa Mae); brother-in-law Clyde H. Mauney.

Smitty loved his family. He is survived by wife, Geri Smith; sons, Gregory D. Smith (Becky) of Pensacola, FL and Gordon D. Smith (Patti) of Tampa; three grandchildren, Brittany Bresnahan (David) of New York City, Jennifer Smith, and Bradley Smith of Tampa; sister Dorothy Nan Mauney of Cary, NC; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Thursday, August 16, 2018, at Blount & Curry Funeral Home – Carrollwood, 3207 W. Bearss Ave., Tampa (813-968-2231). Visitation begins at 12:00 noon with funeral services to commence at 1:00 p.m. Immediately after the funeral service a graveside service will be held for the immediate family only. A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held at the Edward’s Pipe and Tobacco Shop on Henderson Blvd in Tampa, at 3:30 p.m. We invite his many loyal customers and trusted friends to come join us.

Flowers are welcome or if you prefer donations can be made to Lifepath Hospice at chaptershealth.org/give/ or the Alzheimer’s Disease Research at brightfocus.org/ADR.

The family wishes to thank: Dr. Laurence Neufeld, Dr. Arthur J. Pedregal, Nancy Guadros of the Care Team, The Plum Team from Life Path Hospice, and Melech Hospice House for their excellent care of their husband and father.