Thomas E. “Tom” Smith
Thomas E. “Tom” Smith, 87, of Pikeville, Tennessee died Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was a retired corrections officer with the State of New York and the State of Florida; and after retiring, he became a door greeter at Wal-Mart. He was no stranger to hard work. He attended Pikeville United Methodist Church.
Tom loved to golf and ride his Harley Davidson. He and Ruth put a lot of miles on the Harley and visited countless Harley shops with the t-shirts to match. Tom was also a history buff.
Tom was a “medical miracle” according to his oncologist, Dr. Holland. He lived with metastatic lung cancer for 16 years. Dr. Holland thought he was invincible; his longest living patient.
We thank Dr. Holland and everyone at Tennessee Oncology for giving us those 16 extra years with Tom; to love, laugh and live. We know what a precious gift they gave us. We would also like to thank Dr. Dibrell and all of the staff at Erlanger Bledsoe for their kindness and care throughout these last eight weeks.
Preceding him in death were his parents, George and Annabelle Smith; brother, Gary Smith; and son-in-law, Ivan Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Billie Ruth Crawford Smith; children; Anthony, Thomas, Richard and Michael Smith; Virginia Solano, Sheri Smith and Lisa (Dwight) Blankenship; grandchildren, Sarah Pickard, Kristie Smith, Gage and Chase Smith, Tommy, Nicklos, Richie, Matthew and Michael Smith and Jennifer Solano; and great-grandchildren, Ethan, Connor, Lucas, Mason, Thomas, Aundrea, Freya, Olivia and Amelia.
Funeral services were held Monday, July 13, at 2:00 p.m. CDT in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Greg Smart officiating. Burial was in Wesley’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation was held Sunday, July 12, from 1:00-8:00 p.m. and Monday, July 13, from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Pallbearers were Gage Smith, Dwight Blankenship, Gray Adkins, Tom, Tommie and Dickie Smith. Honorary pallbearers were Anthony Smith, Ethan and Connor Mosher, Chase, Lucas and Mason Smith.
Arrangements are by Putnam-Reed Funeral Home, 1171 Main Street, Pikeville. Online condolences may be made at www.reedfamilyfh.com.
