Thomas Blunt Smith, Sr.

Mr. Thomas B. Smith of Freeport, Florida passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, January 20, 2023.  He was born in Milton, Florida on June 13, 1941, to Jacen and Jessie Mae Smith.

He married his wife, Patricia Hatcher, in 1959.  Together, they raised their three sons in Freeport, where he was known and loved throughout the community.

Tommy was employed at Eglin Air Force Base for over thirty years, where he worked as a technician for a host of government contractors. During his working years, Tommy made many lifelong friends and loved to tell stories about the good times they shared. His retirement years gave him an opportunity to spend more time with his sons and close friends, enjoying his love of the outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, Tommy loved fishing and hunting, and he spent several years as a volunteer at the E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center. He also loved listening to and discussing Billy Graham’s sermons.

Tommy’s greatest joy in life was his family.  He is survived by his wife, Pat; three sons, Ronnie (Martha) of DeFuniak Springs, Tim (Tammy) of Freeport, and Thomas (Sharie) of Freeport; as well as seven grandchildren, Nicholas, Logan, Jace, Valerie, Mason, Max, and Eli.  He was also the proud great-grandfather of nine children. He is also survived by one sister, Sharon Huss.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Edward Smith, Ernestine Reyes, and Shirley Benaquis.

A celebration of Tommy’s life will be held at the family home, 460 Waterview Cove Drive, Freeport, on Monday, January 23, 2023.  Friends and family are invited to stop by and share memories between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the E. O. Wilson Biophilia Center in Tommy’s name.