Thomas Leroy Smith

Thomas Leroy Smith, 72, of Old Fort, North Carolina, passed away Monday, January 16, 2023 at Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville.

He was born on July 17, 1950 in Jackson, Michigan to the late Robert Smith and Margaret Anders.

Tom, who was also known by many as Big Tom, was a veteran of the United States Army. He formerly worked at Marion Fabrics and Marion Manufacturing before later retiring from Columbia Carolina. Tom enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He had many friends and got along with anyone he met. He was always willing to help others.

He is preceded in death by siblings, Bonnie Carrico, Belinda Bruso, and Alan Bruso.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Joyce Wright Smith; daughter, Joyce McNeill (John Self); two grandchildren, Lucas McNeill and Josh McNeill; sister, Connie Bruso; and a special friend, Sherry Evenson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Beam Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Bethlehem Community Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m.