Thomas Smith, 75, passed on Monday, January 13, 2025 in Phenix City, AL.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at St. Paul A.M.E. Church located at 3 Highway 51 N, Hurtsboro, Alabama, with Rev. Christopher Reeves, pastor and Rev. Anthony Smith, officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. There will be no public viewing.

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Roman 8:28

Thomas Wayne Smith Known as "Shag" was born to the late Rev. Logan and Rosie Mae Smith, in Hurtsboro , Alabama. Thomas confessed his life to Christ at a young age and was baptized at St. Paul A.M.E Church in Hurtsboro, Alabama where he served on the usher board. He was a faithful member until he fell ill. He received his education through Russell County Training School.

He worked at Columbus Mill and Fieldcrest Mill in Columbus, Ga., until they closed, and continued his work career as School Bus Driver For The Phenix City schools for 11 years until he retired in 2015.

In 1970 Thomas met his love Katie Jackson Smith and raised two daughters: Ericka, Tracy and a son Wayne Jr. In Phenix City, Alabama. Thomas enjoyed riding his motorcycle, he was known as "Watermelon Man", and he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

On Monday January 13, 2025, Mr Thomas Wayne Smith departed this life at the age of 75 and went to his heavenly home. He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Logan and Rosie Smith Sr., Brother Logan Smith Jr. . To Cherish the life he lived, Thomas leaves his devoted wife of 53 years, Katie; two daughters Ericka (Nathaniel III) Sanderson, Tracy Mitchell, two sons, Thomas (Brina) Smith Jr., Edward (Tamara) Banks, Thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren , three siblings Jewel (Ernest) Harris, Betty (Dix) Stewart, Joann Hunter, sister-in-Law Mary Smith, Lucy (Tommie)Harris, Annie (Edward) Cliatt, brother-in-laws Willie (Mary) Jackson and Griffen (Freda) Jackson, host of Nieces, Nephews, Family and Friends.