Tommy Smith

The following is an obituary written by Tommy’s loving family.

Tommy Smith passed away unexpectedly on April 18th at the age of 76 at our cabin in Orange County, Indiana.  Tom was born in Fount, KY on July 17, 1947, to Elmer and Bessie (Lovins) Smith.  His family moved to Hendricks County, IN early in his childhood.  He married Jane E. Ragsdale on May  9, 1970.  Their son is Ty Smith.

Tom graduated from Lizton High School in 1965.  He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served for six years. He was an employee of Eli Lilly and Company, with most of his years in Cardiovascular Research as a lab technician.  At Lilly he taught many lab techs, summer interns, and Eagle Scouts on various surgical procedures. He participated in the Lilly Camera Club and played in Lilly football, softball, volleyball, and basketball leagues.

Tom had a wonderful ability to teach and mentor people. Tom was active in coaching his son’s Little League Teams.  He would take his teams on adventures to state parks, Indians’ games, cookouts and camping.  He always pushed them to do their best while having fun with the game of baseball.  He also coached basketball.

Tom was a member of Indiana Bowhunters Association (IBA) where he traveled to different events to teach youth how to shoot the bow.  His passion was archery deer hunting.  He was a past officer and district advisor in the IBA.  He also enjoyed fishing with Ty and Tina, and watching his wife try to fish.  He enjoyed racing slot cars, and founded Sicklepoint International Raceway (SIR) where his club raced.  Tom was a member of Paul Wood’s Winter Rondevous.

With Ty’s help, he built the cabin in Orange County, IN and was in the process of putting in a fishing pond.  We called the cabin and farm KY2, because his Dad Elmer said it was like being in Kentucky.

Tom attended Pittsboro Christian Church, and was on the journey of learning about Jesus and God’s saving grace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Bessie (Lovins) Smith; brothers, General and Roy Smith; nephews, Michael Garland and Todd Smith; and his parents-in-law, Herman and Florence Ragsdale.  He is survived by his wife of almost 54 years, Jane E (Ragsdale) Smith; son, Ty Smith; daughter-in-law, Tina Smith; and grandson, Andrew McKinney.  He is also survived by sisters, Loretta (Floyd) Garland, Thelma Beringer, and Joan (Chuck) Mohr and his brothers, Glenn (Malinda) Smith and Carl (Barbara) Smith.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pittsboro Christian Church, P.O. Box 215, Pittsboro 46167 or to Phi Beta Psi (cancer research), P.O. Box 14, Pittsboro 46167.

Friends and family will gather from 4pm until 7pm, Tuesday, April 23, in the Eric MD Bell Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held at 10 am, Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in the Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest in the Lizton K of P Cemetery at following the funeral service.