Thomas (Tom) Hiram Smith – dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather and friend – passed away in his sleep at home in Gold Canyon, Arizona on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Tom was born to Tom and Helen Smith in Miami AZ on October 15, 1938. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1956 where he was in National Honor Society, ROTC and excelled on the rifle team. After high school, he attended Arizona State University and graduated with a degree in Business in 1961. He then started his 40+ year career at Motorola climbing to Director of Supply Management. For work, Tom extensively travelled to Asia and throughout the U.S. where he always brought home gifts for his friends and family. Before his professional career, he also worked as a cotton picker, delivery man, and an ambulance driver.
As a young adult Tom loved drag racing and cruising Central Avenue in Phoenix. In the summer of 1958, while cruising, Tom met his future wife, Sandie. They got married on August 5, 1961 and have just celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. In 1965, they welcomed their first child, Sheryl. Within the next 5 years, they also welcomed the births of David and Kenneth.
Throughout the years, Tom enjoyed golfing, camping with the Lucky 7, classic cars and car auctions, dining out, playing guitar and harmonica, movies, and TV. One of his favorite activities was travelling with his family and friends to places like Alaska, Hawaii, the Mediterranean, Mexico, Bahamas, all over Europe and the U.S. He was also fond of games and was a very competitive opponent in Bunco and Farkle.
Tom and Sandie have called Apache Junction/Gold Canyon home for almost 55 years. With Sandie, he started several successful businesses: T&S Mobile Village, Buckhorn Trading Post, Copperstate Trading Post, and The Indian Shop at Superstition Inn. Tom was also greatly involved in the community and volunteering which included Board of AJ Chamber of Commerce, Superstition Mountain Fire Board, Board of Pinal/Gila Council Senior Citizens, Board of Superstition Mountain Museum, Pinal Partnership, and member of the Friends of the Boys and Girls Club.
Being a grandpa came naturally to Tom. His grandkids loved his big hugs and kisses and his famous spaghetti dinner. He loved having the kids watch TV with him. The family enjoyed vacations where Tom would rent places so they could all stay together. Some of his favorite memories were from family trips to Disneyland, Ocean Shores, Whidbey Island and cruises to Alaska. Even kids of his friends quickly adopted him as their grandpa or great grandpa. He was known as Grandpa, GPa, Tommy Ol’ Buddy Ol’ Pal, and GGF (Great GodFather).
Tom is survived by his wife, Sandie; their children Sheryl LeDuc (Ron), David (Tami), and Ken (Kimberly Ulreich-Smith); six grandchildren, Ashley, Kirsten, Davis, Abbott, Cassandra and Nicole; his brother, Alex (Cindy).
Please join his family for his Celebration of Life:
When: Saturday, June 29th from 3-7 pm
Where: Dirtwater Springs, 586 Apache Trail, Apache Junction, 85120
His friends and family are invited to share happy memories and celebrate Tom’s life in the way he would want to be remembered – as a loving and caring man who enjoyed life.
Lucky enough to meet Mr Smith and realized quickly how wonderful of a man he was! His legacy will live on through his amazing family that he raised!