Tommy Gene Smithers

In loving memory of Tommy Gene Smithers. A great father to Jimmy Smithers and a loving and devoted husband to Rita Smithers. My father was born in Hereford, Texas in 1943 to Clyde Smithers and Marquita Crawford. He had two brothers Red Smithers and Jimmy Smithers who both preceded him in death. He is survived by his sister, Cookie. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Tommy spent his life in service to our nation through his military service of 28 years in the Army. After his active-duty service, he became a civilian employee of the Department of Defense. He spent an additional 14 years in this role. During his life, he was lucky to have made numerous friends including some whom he knew for many years. Among these is Joe Aldrich, whom he enjoyed knowing and felt close to. My father enjoyed Golfing and Bowling. These pastimes brought him great frustration, but he loved them too. He and my mother traveled the world after his retirement until his illness. These pastimes brought him great frustration, but he loved them too. His greatest love was for my mother whom he had been married to for 57 years. They met in Greece where they fell in love and married. She was by his side to the end and cared for him well, and seeing his reaction to her constant visits to him in his last days brought him happiness.

I will remember him for his unwavering devotion to my mother and me. He never stepped aside from any responsibility or need by either of us. He showed me and told me about many life lessons, some of which I did not listen to until I got older. I will carry these lessons with me always. I hope his rest is peaceful and that he can see me make my way in the world and be a testament to his dedication and hard work.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia 23834. 

Online Condolences may be registered at ealvinsmall.com