Thomas D. Smith

Thomas D. Smith

August 2, 1949 - May 28, 2025

Tom Smith died peacefully at the age of 75 on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at Ohio’s Hospice. He was born in Lima, Ohio, on August 2, 1949, to Miles V. Smith & Elizabeth Ellerbrock Smith. He attended St. Rose of Lima Elementary School and Lima Central Catholic High School prior to graduating from the Ohio State University with a degree in Finance and Real Estate.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Alison, who was his steadfast caregiver in his final years, as well as his four children and four grandchildren: Gregory Smith of Dayton; Michael Smith (Morgan) of Charlottesville, VA, and their children Campbell and Grace; Matthew Smith of Charlottesville, VA; and Mary Elizabeth Knauf (Taylor) of Charlotte, NC, and their children Lily and Joseph. He is also survived by his sister Vivian Henderson (Martin) of Monroeville, PA; brother Allen Smith (Judy) of Southport, NC; sisters-in-law Debbie Hanson Sykes (Eric) and Lori-Beth Hanson Fedewa (Wayne) of Dayton; honorary grandchildren Shaina, Angel, Sophia, and Sherwin Gomes of Dayton; numerous nieces and nephews; and additional extended family members Dr. Robert Mackey of Lady Lake, FL; Deacon Carl Gerstung and his wife Judy of Dayton; and Mary Wagner of Dayton.

Tom had an accomplished career as a mortgage banker for 35 years, originating nearly $2 billion in loans to help more than 5,500 families purchase homes. He was also a devoted husband and father. He loved watching movies with his children and attending their (and later, his grandchildren’s) many competitive sporting events, especially soccer. He passed on his love for Buckeye football to his children, three of whom attended Ohio State. He also enjoyed listening to music and singing in the church choir at Incarnation Parish, where he was a member for 47 years.

An avid gardener, Tom spent as much time as possible tending to his immaculate yard. In recent years, he transformed the empty lot behind his and Alison’s home into an arboretum of irises, peonies, and roses, which he would proudly show off to anyone with an interest in plants. He loved traveling to warm climates and counted Siesta Key, FL; New Smyrna Beach, FL; Walt Disney World; and St. Maarten as favorite vacation spots, especially when joined by family and friends. During these trips, you could find him in a chair by the pool or on a balcony waiting out that “perfect sunset.”

Quick with a smile or a joke, Tom was friendly with everyone with whom he came into contact. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his classmates from the Lima Central Catholic High School class of 1967 and cherished his many friendships in Dayton and beyond. Having possessed a competitive spirit since his high school football days, he never turned down a game of cards or wagering a plate of nachos on Tiger Woods’ next tournament performance. His friends and family will remember him for his determination, work ethic, sense of humor, and family-first mentality.

Tom’s family extends their sincere thanks to the many medical, nursing, and hospice professionals who provided expert and attentive care for him in recent years.

A viewing will be provided held at Newcomer Centerville (820 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton, OH 45459) on Tuesday, June 3, from 9:30-10:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial and reception will follow at the Church of the Incarnation (55 Williamsburg Ln, Centerville, OH 45459), beginning at 11:00 AM. Tom will be laid to rest in the Garden of the Holy Cross at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Brigid’s Path (3601 S Dixie Dr, Kettering, OH 45439) or Elizabeth's New Life Center (2201 N Main St, Dayton, OH 45405).

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