Thomas (Tom) Mix Smith's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) Smith age 86, Mt. Dora, Florida passed away November 18, 2011 at the Cornerstone Hospice House, Tavares, Florida. Born in Deland, Florida on November 1, 1925 to Clarence M. and Anna T. (nee Ott) Smith.Tom was employed by the Lovett Chain Store, Deland, Florida from June, 1939 to September, 1942, as a grocery clerk. He joined the US Navy and served from September 1, 1942, to December 1, 1945. He was Seaman First Class, his qualifications certificates held, Repair and Overhaul Aircraft Engines, worked on emhalming engines. He was awarded American Area Victory Metal, Asiatic and Pacific, and Good Conduct Point System.He served in Foreign Service World War II on Attu Island, of the Aleutian Island Chain, for 3 1/4 years. He also was an amateur welterweight boxer while in service.Two years following military service, Tom was employed by Winn-Lovett later known as Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. where he remained for 28 years, retiring as Meat Market Manager.In February, 1976 to July, 1983 he owned and operated Tom Smiths Meat Mart in Tavares, Florida. In September, 1983 to February, 1991 he owned and operated Tom Smiths Meat Mart D/B/A Mahoneys Grocery in Altoona, Florida.He was a man who could not be idle for long. He started work in 1993 to September, 1996 with Tavares Foodway in Tavares, Florida, as the Meat Department Manager. With a change of ownership in the business, he left, and in October, 1996 to June 2, 1999 he was employed by the Astor Family Market, Astor, Florida, as the Meat Market Manager. The opportunity came, where he was employed by Publix in Mt. Dora, Florida from June, 1999 to October, 2001 as a meat cutter.Due to health problems he resigned, bringing to close 52 years of serving the public, making many dear friends and devoted and loyal customers, who he truly missed.He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 60 years and seven months, Barbara A. (nee Meeker) Smith, Mt. Dora, Florida; son, Tommy M. Smith, Paisley, Florida; son-in-law Edward Bonieski, Sanford, Florida; five grandsons, Alan, New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Eric, Blacksburg, Virginia; Tobie, Mickie and Terie, Paisley, Florida; one sister, Teresa Casazza, Deland, Florida; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.He was preceded in death by his daughter, Vera E. Bonieski, parents Clarence and Anna Smith, sister Marie Finley, and brothers, Bill, Anton and Larry Smith.Thank you for the many, many years we shared and for being a loving, devoted and caring Husband, Father and Grandfather. Two weeks and one day, following his death, his only daughter-in-law, Ida R. Smith, Paisley, Florida; joined him, and all other loved ones in Paradise.There will be a Celebration of Life held at the First Baptist Church, Paisley, Florida after the first of the New Year, and will be announced later as to the date and time.
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