Thomas James Smith Jr.

1934 - 2015

Thomas James Smith Jr. obituary, 1934-2015, Oceanside, CA

BORN

1934

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Thomas Smith Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 18, 2015.

Sergeant Major Thomas J (TJ) Smith Jr.

Thomas J Smith Jr. was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. He attended Stanton High School in Duval County school district where he was active in sports: basketball, football as a star quarterback, track athletic, while excelling in academics and auto mechanics. Upon graduating from high school with honors, Sergeant Major Smith joined the United States Marine Corps on March 15, 1958 and was assigned as a Marine Corps Infantrymen (Grunt). His first duty assignment was at the United States Embassy in Morocco Spain. Upon competition of his assigned duty there he served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded Two Purple Hearts, Combat Action, Presidential Citation and Navy Commendation for Meritorious Services. Sgt. Maj. Smith participated in thirteen Major Combat Operations and Numerous Search and Destroy Operations. He served in various billets during his career; two of those to be honored as "Drill Instructor" at Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA; and, "Non-Commissioned Officer" in Charge of NCO School, at Camp Pendleton, CA. Sgt. Maj. Smith also served as Operational Chief of Marine Detachment at the Naval Weapons Station in Concord, CA and as a Sniper Instructor at Marine Corps Base in Quantico, VA. However, his passion as a Marine was serving with Delta Company First Battalion Seventh Marines as a Grunt! Upon retirement of faithful, honorable and distinguished service, for twenty six years, from the United States Marine Corps, Sergeant Major Smith attended college and received a degree in Criminal Justice.

He continued his federal service by applying and being accepted as a Special Officer for the United States Secret Service. He was assigned to the Western Protective Division and the Reagan Protective Division. He served twenty years with the U.S.S.S.

Thomas J (TJ) Smith Jr. was a man of superior leadership, had a devotion to duty, integrity, and a caring heart for his fellow man. He always displayed professionalism. His hobbies included reading, listening to music and dancing (which he loved). He definitely stayed physically fit until his illness. His strong beliefs were standing up for what was right and, he never wavered left or right. His accomplishments never outweighed his friends.

This can be quoted from "Proverbs 18:24 "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother".

Family Members Preceded In Death:
Mother: Mrs. Dollie Mae Brown
Father: Mr. Thomas J Smith, Sr.
Brothers: Mr. Leroy Smith, Sr. & Mr. Robert Smith

Survivors: A devoted and loving brother, Vern Garrett, and, his wife Rose of Riverview, Florida; A host of nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, family members and caring friends.

"A life spent devoted to his country and his fellowman"

Honor ? Courage ? Commitment
Semper Fidelis



Our Appreciation

We have been richly blessed by the numerous acts of kindness and support
received from our friends and extended family. Each expression of love and sympathy has been a source of comfort to us and will forever remain dear in our hearts. It is our prayer that the Lord continues to richly bless and keep each of you in His care.

? The Family ?


? Special Thanks ?

Silverado Care Givers, Nurses, Administration Staff And Hospice Care


Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church
2606 West Grace Street Tampa, Florida 33609
Dr. T.D. Leonard, Pastor
Resolution in Loving Memory of Sgt. Major Thomas J. Smith (Ret.)

Since it has pleased Almighty God to take Bro. Thomas J. Smith, from this labor to his reward, where he has joined that great cloud of witnesses in the heavens, we the pastor, officers and members of Mt. Tabor, humbly bow with you in loving memory.

WHEREAS, Bro. Smith is the brother and brother-in-law of our dear and faithful members, Bro. Vernondale and Sis. Rose Garrett.
WHEREAS, your Mt. Tabor Church family has been in constant prayer and support, as you both have lovingly labored to bring comfort and devotion to Bro. Smith, during his illness and subsequent demise.
WHEREAS, we are recommending and believing the words of Jesus in John 14 that encourages you to "Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, to our dear members, Bro. and Sis. Garrett and the entire Garrett and Smith families -- we believe that Bro. Smith has gone to his "prepared place" with his heavenly Father.
This resolution is lovingly submitted this Wednesday, March 4, 2015 by the entire Mt. Tabor Church Family, Tampa, FL.

Dec. Virgil Jacobs, Chairman, Trustee Board
Dr. T. D. Leonard, Pastor
cfbc

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Not sure what to say?

4 Entries

March 5, 2015

Chris Hall

TJ I only knew you through Silverado. But found we worked together one time in 88. You are a true American hero brother. I pray you fly now and soar with the Lord.

March 4, 2015

Marion Clark

ROBINSON, THOMAS, MITCHELL & GREEN
FAMILY REUNION
Central Florida Families


Wednesday, March 4, 2015


RESOLUTION



The Lord says, My thoughts are not like your thoughts. Your ways are not like my ways. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

In His own way and for His own purpose God has called the spirit of Sergeant Major Thomas J. Smith, Jr., (affectionately known as TJ) home to be with Him throughout eternity. Someone once said, God gives us memories that we might have roses in December. As life gives way to your days of December, we encourage you to remember the life that he lived. Remember the visits and the countless days of sitting around talking. Thank God daily for giving you such great memories to draw on.

Whereas, we, the officers and members of the Robinson, Thomas, Mitchell & Green Family Reunion, desiring to express our love and respect to the Family, we humbly submit this resolution. Be it resolved that a copy of which will be kept in our records, and a copy to be sent to the Family with our deepest sympathy.

We invite the family of the late Sergeant Major Thomas J. Smith, Jr., to look to our Heavenly Father who alone is able to sustain and keep you in perfect peace.



Humbly Submitted,



Robinson, Thomas, Mitchell & Green Family Reunion
Central Florida Families
Opal Pear, President
Danny McIntyre, Vice-President
Marion Clark, Secretary

March 3, 2015

LaFrench Rollins

I was saddened upon hearing of the passing of my cousin, but joyous in the fact that we will be re-united in the hereafter. My prayers go out to my family members and hope that you will find comfort as you review the great times that were shared with Thomas.

February 26, 2015

Willie Jackson

Church Resolution of Respect
For
Sergeant Thomas J. Smith, Jr.
No matter what your trials are, or how big your mountain seems;
The Lord is there to see you through; He'll go to all extremes.
So if your cross seems hard to bear; and you know not what to do;
The One who loves you most of all will be there to see you through.
We are in place in this world for a limited time, and with the breath of the infant begins the race
to the grave. A race everyone must run.

WHEREAS, in the providence of God. He has brought to a close the life of Sergeant Thomas J. Smith, Jr., the officers and members of, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Thonotosassa, FL feel that it is befitting to express our sympathy to the family of during the passing of Sergeant Thomas J. Smith, Jr. We commend you to Jesus Christ who knoweth best and will always do right. You have our sincere prayers.

BE IT RESOLVED, that we bow in humble submission to Jesus Christ who never makes a mistake and remind the family to be encouraged by remembering this poem.

When I must leave you for a little while
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you through the years.
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name
Live on and do all things the same,
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
But fill each waking hour in useful ways,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer
And I in turn will comfort you And hold you near,
And never, never be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you in the sky!
Author Unknown

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be given to the family and a copy
kept in the church archives.
To the family, we know your loss is deep, and your sorrow is great, but we want you to know that
we share in your sorrow, but more importantly, we recognize that this loss is Heaven's Gain.

Humbly submitted on this 24 day of February 2015,
The Officers and Members of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, Thonotosassa, FL.
Reverend W.L. Jacskon, Senior Pastor

Rev. W.L. Jackson, Pastor

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Eternal Hills Mortuary & Crematory at Eternal Hills Memorial Park

1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054

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