Dr. Tom M. Smith's Obituary
Thomas Michael Smith (Dr. Tom M. Smith) was received with great joy into Jesus’s arms May 29, 2024. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held Friday, June 28, 2024, at 3:00 PM at First Lutheran Church in Longview, Texas.
Tom was the firstborn of three sons to Ruth Fletcher Smith and Harry Ellis Smith in 1941 in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. He moved with his family to Texas as a 15 year old, marched with the Lobo Band, and graduated from Longview High School in 1959. He graduated with his Bachelor’s of Science Degree from the University of Texas at Austin in l963 and continued his education at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, receiving his Doctorate of Dentistry in l967, where he was a member of the Delta Sigma Delta International Dental Fraternity. During this time he met and then married his wife Susan Kay in June 1967. Tom entered the United States Army Dental Corps as a captain and served at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, for 3 years, receiving the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service upon completing his active duty. He was accepted into the Baylor College of Dentistry, School of Periodontics in Dallas (now Texas A&M School of Dentistry) and received his Master’s Degree in Periodontics in 1972. He opened his practice in Periodontal Dentistry and practiced for 50 years in Longview, Mineola, and Mt. Pleasant, Texas. He was professionally active in the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology, and Southwest Society of Periodontists, where he served in these organizations on various committees. Tom was a past president of the East Texas Dental Society and a member of Gregg County Dental Society and Land of Pines Dental Study Club. He was a staff member of Good Shepherd Medical Center and Longview Regional Medical Center.
As a lifelong Christian and a member of First Lutheran Church of Longview, he sang in the Chancel Choir, was active on many committees, and volunteered in youth programs. He was a student of many Biblical study groups and led a class in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF). Tom cherished his relationships with God, with family, and with friends of all ages, inspiring and connecting meaningfully with others.
Tom loved investing himself in his community. As a charter member of the Longview Kiwanis Day Break Club, he served as president and on many of its committees; he was a charter board member of the Harrison Street Day Care Center, which later became the Longview Child Development Center. He supported Longview Community Ministries, Texas Shakespeare Festival in Kilgore, and Gregg County Historical Museum.
As a Mason, Tom was an endowed member of the Longview Lodge #404, a Master Mason for over 60 years, a Scottish Rite Mason 32 ° for over 50 years, and a member of the Waco Scottish Rite Bodies.
His love of music led Tom to support the Longview Symphony and the East Texas Symphonic Band. Classical organ music was his passion and Johann Sebastian Bach his hero. Other interests included clock and watch restoration. He loved cultivating trees and plants on his farm. An enthusiastic fan of his grandchildren’s activities, he was proud of their many accomplishments.
His parents preceded Tom in death. Of those left to cherish memories of him are his loving wife of 57 years Susan Kay Swedlund Smith and two sons: Dr. Todd Mikel Smith, wife Wendy, and children Tatum Michelle Smith, Clara Mikel Smith, and Noah Mikel Smith; and Sterling Kent Smith, wife Jami, and children Ellis Kennedy Smith, Emerson Kate Smith, and Harper Sterling Smith. He is survived by his two brothers Dr. David F. Smith and wife Nancy, Dr. Mark E. Smith and wife Jill Hunter, sister-in-law Trudi J. Swedlund, and many relatives across the USA.
Memorial contributions may be given to First Lutheran Church, 3901 Bill Owens Parkway, Longview, Texas 75605, or the charity of your choice.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16
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