Thomas James Smith, 94, of Homer City died unexpectedly July 19, 2020, at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center. He was the son of the late James M. and Muriel (Gilmore) Smith and was born December 28, 1925, in Derry, PA.
He was a US Navy veteran, serving during WWII. After returning home from the service, he attended Williamsport Technical School. He worked for Westinghouse in Sharon, Pennsylvania, and retired from FMC Homer City as a project engineer after 37 year of service. He was a member of the Homer City United Presbyterian Church for over 60 years.
He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity for a number of years, serving as president and board member. He also was a volunteer with Meals on Wheels, delivering to those who were homebound. He was gifted in many areas, including gardening, auto mechanics, and rebuilding transmissions and engines. He was a craftsman with wood, completing many projects, grandmother clocks. and high chairs for his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his five children: James M. and wife Betsy, Hubbard, OH; Rebecca and husband Edward Bence of Blairsville; Mark T, and wife Linda of Blairsville; Thomas J. Jr. and wife Amy of Raleigh, NC; and Clifford A. and wife Barbara of Needham, MA. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Beatrice (Horrell) of 56 years in 2006 and his grandson Nicholas Smith in 2016.
A private family viewing will be held because of the virus, and a memorial service will be announced at a later date to celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Habitat for Humanity, P.O. Box 663, Indiana, PA. 15701; or the Homer City United Presbyterian Church, 40 E. Elm St., Homer City, PA.15748,
The Bowser Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Homer City is in charge of arrangements.
