Thomas Smith Obituary

https://my.gather.app/remember/thomas-m-smith
When the time comes to bid this life farewell, we should find comfort in knowing that a loving God will be there with us to guide us to our new home.
Rev. Thomas M. Smith, a devoted servant of the Lord, and a beloved figure in the Palmyra community, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest on May 11, 2025. Born on March 3, 1944, in New York, New York, Pastor Smith life was a testament to his steadfast faith and selfless service to others. As Mother Teresa once said, "Let us always meet each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love." This quote aptly encapsulates Pastor Smith approach to life, always extending a helping hand and a warm smile to those around him.
As a proud veteran of the United States Air Force who served during the Vietnam War, Pastor Smith continued his life of service through ministry and education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Bible Exposition from Liberty University and went on to receive a Master of Theology in Pastoral Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Pastor Smith served as the Senior Pastor at Bethel Baptist Ministries, touching countless lives with his powerful sermons and unwavering faith. He also spent time as a car salesman, proving that he was not only a man of the cloth but also a man of the people.
Over the course of his life, Pastor Smith pastored numerous churches across Illinois and Virginia, including Grace Conservative Baptist Church, Shiloh Baptist Church, Mt. Paran Baptist Church, and Sulphur Spring Baptist Church. However, it was at Bethel Baptist Ministries in Palmyra, VA, where he served from 2008 until his passing, that he made his most profound impact. As Hebrews 6:10 says, "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them." This scripture perfectly encapsulates the life and legacy of Pastor Smith.
Pastor Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Audrey Smith, and his beloved wife, Phyllis Jean Burley Smith and son Joshua Christopher Smith. He is survived by his daughter, Christina Smith, stepson, Marcus Dixon, and his wife Angela, his sister Peggy Godette, his brother Johnny Smith, and seven grandchildren. His memory will also be cherished by his devoted Church Family at Bethel Baptist Ministries, and a host of extended family and friends who were touched by his wisdom, warmth, and humor.
In his leisure time, Pastor Smith enjoyed listening to gospel music, discussing the news, and cheering for his favorite football team, the Kansas City Chiefs. His passion for life, faith, and service will be remembered and celebrated at his funeral service, which will be held on Sunday, May 18, 2025, at New Fork Baptist Church in Palmyra, VA.
We invite all who were touched by Pastor Smith ministry and friendship to attend the service and celebrate his life. We also encourage you to share your memories and upload photos to his memorial page, so that his legacy can continue to inspire and touch lives. Pastor Smith lived his life faithfully, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. His life was truly a testament to the power of faith and love.
The Smith family wishes to thank the staff at Hospice of the Piedmont and The Barclay at Charlottesville for the wonderful care given to our beloved Pastor Smith.
To the Smith family, we at D. D. Watson offer our most sincere sympathy and condolences. Our prayer continues to be that your abiding faith in God will lend to you a measure of comfort that will strengthen and sustain you during your time of sorrow.
It is during such times as these that we draw upon our faith, stand upon our scriptures and rely upon our God. There is no question that in this and through this, God will keep you, comfort you and sustain you. You and your family are forever in our prayers.
D. D. WATSON MORTICIAN, INC. ARRANGEMENT CENTER - FORK UNION