Thomas Ayers Smith

Thomas Ayers Smith, Sr. died Sunday October 29, 2017. Tom was born in Evansville, Indiana and grew up in Newburgh, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1956 with distinction where he received several honors including membership in Beta Gamma Sigma honor society and was recognized as one of the top five students in Business. After graduation he attended Harvard Law School graduating in the spring of 1959 where he was in the top 10% of his graduating class. After graduating from Harvard Law School he attended the United States Navy Officer Training Command, Newport, Rhode Island where he graduated as one of the top students in his class receiving the rank of Lieutenant JG. Because of his outstanding performance at the Navy Officer Training Command and despite his wish to be assigned to a military ship he was assigned to the prestigious U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corp in Washington DC until his honorable discharge from the Navy. While awaiting employment as a private attorney he worked for the FCC and was hired within the year by the law firm of John Himes in Tampa in 1963. He eventually became a partner in the firm known as Himes, Tally and Smith. The law firm merged with the MacFarlane Ferguson Law Group. Early in Tom’s career he left the law firm, became a sole practitioner and practiced as a sole practitioner until his death. During his time in Tampa Tom also belonged to several social clubs and did a great deal of charitable work. Tom was a man of many talents. He was a practicing attorney in Tampa for over 50 years and was practicing until the day of his death. Tom was one of the original owners of Brewmaster’s restaurants and represented Championship Wrestling of Florida for many years. He was a long-time pilot with private, instrument, and multi-engine ratings and was also a Certified Flight Instructor for private, instrument and multi-engine students. Because of his piloting skills he took control of a crashing airplane and saved three people and himself from certain death but he didn’t get any notice of this. He was truly an unsung hero. For many years he enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle until he became an avid bicyclist. He completed several century (100 miles) and double century rides and completed the Assault on Mount Mitchell in 1992, a 102.7 mile ride considered the local equivalent of a Tour de France stage and the highest climb east of the Mississippi. He was also a certified scuba diver and avid kayaker. Tom is survived by his wife of 38 years Dr. Linda Smith, his four children Patricia Wissman and husband Mark, Jennifer Oates and husband Gary, Thomas Ayers Smith Jr. and wife Trevor, and Tobias Atticus Smith and wife Marissa. He is also survived by grandchildren, Parker and Chase Wissman, Joie and Brooke Smith, and Thomas, Sophia and Matthew Smith. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Lloyd Garner and wife Brenda. Tom was an amazing lawyer but most importantly he was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His teenage grandchildren loved spending time with Pawpaw. His clients were always like family and friends to him and their cases a personal mission. Tom was an unassuming, kind person taking great pleasure in the accomplishments of others. Tom will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. A funeral service will be held at 7pm on Friday, November 3 at Blount & Curry Carrollwood Chapel, 3207 W Bearss Ave, Tampa, FL; family will start receiving guests at 5pm. Tom will be buried at Florida National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the SMA organization in honor of his Granddaughter Joie Smith.