Thomas Brown Smith

Thomas B. Smith, age 84, died peacefully at Fairfield Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center, Fairfield, Texas, on Friday, March 28, 2025, following a brief illness. Born and raised in Brownville, Tennessee, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 30 years: Ruby Smith, and wife and mother of his three sons, Theodosia “Sue” Sandlin; parents: Henry T. Smith and Mammie A. Smith; son: Stephen Thomas Smith; stepdaughter: Barbara Wiggins; sisters: Virginia Moon and Aileen Campbell (Emmanuel); brother: James Alvin Smith.

He is survived by his sons from Texas: Michael Sandlin (Jennifer); Paul Sandlin (Becky) and Allen Sandlin (Cristina); stepdaughter: Carol Malone (Michael); stepson: Billy Kelly, Jr.; sisters: Margaret Forsythe (Wesley) and Peggy Myers (Jerry); brother: Freddy Smith (Mary Beth); sister Sue Dutton (Billy); brothers: Billy Smith (Zelda), Henry Earl Smith (Kaye), Jimmy Smith (Susan) and Gary Smith (Janie). He also leaves behind many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren and numerous cherished extended family and friends.

Thomas’s persistence to be in the military, resulted in his parents signing off on him joining the Navy at the age of 17 and proudly serving his country in the United States Navy for 30 years of active and inactive duty from 1958 – 1988. He served in the Vietnam War and in his years of service received the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation (Civ Act w/Palm), Expert Pistol Medal, M-16 Sharp-Shooter and the Cryptologic Service Award (20 year). Upon retirement from the Navy, he worked as a prison guard for the State of Maryland for 11 years. Upon his second retirement, Thomas settled down in Brownsville with the love of his life, Ruby Dean Smith.

Thomas married Ruby and was the Deputy Sheriff of Haywood County for a short time. He was not one to be idle and could be found working in the shop of various tractor dealerships in Brownsville. When one neighbor asked him to till her yard, word of mouth spread and Thomas started a lawnmowing business. Gardening was a joy to Thomas as he took pride in his roses and tulips. Thomas also could be found many a day on the golf course with his brother Freddy. Many a memory was made and many stories were told during those rounds of golf. When they could break away, Thomas and Ruby traveled all over. His Navy days taught him a love of seeing the world and he wanted to share that with Ruby. Thomas and Ruby also shared a deep love for the Lord and were members of the First Assembly of God.

About two years ago, Thomas had a need to get closer in distance to his sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Texas. It was a new adventure after living in Brownsville for his whole life but his Navy days had him moving in with excitement. He loved going into the Senior Center and asking, “Where are all the young people?” Thomas always considered himself to have never aged past 50. He enjoyed visiting new churches and immediately joined the gym. But his favorite part of being in Texas was that he could see and talk to his family. He even added a new member of his family named Samantha or Sam as he began to call her. His stray black cat that he rescued. He did miss his siblings and made multiple trips back to Tennessee to visit but came back to his new home in Texas.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 9:30 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. with the funeral service starting at 11:00 A.M. at the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN. There will be a graveside service following at the Brownsville Memorial Gardens with Bro. Bobby Jones officiating, weather permitting. Military Honors will be given by the United States Navy. Pallbearers are Thomas Ray Smith, Harold Smith, Chris Milton, Tim Smith, Richard Smith, Eddie Ferrell. Honorary Pallbearer is Drew Deck.

All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home in Brownsville, TN.