09/02/2026
Thomas Earl Smith, 68, of Columbus, Indiana, died Friday, August 21, 2026, of kidney failure at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born October 19, 1957 in Detroit, MI to Kenneth and Virginia (Carney) Smith.
On December 27, 1980, he married Beverly Lee Pijut at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Birmingham, Michigan.
Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Detroit and later a master’s degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He was a gifted engineer who worked on advanced projects for several companies, including Northrop Defense Systems, Texas Instruments and Accurate Technologies, Inc.
The most important thing in his life was his faith. He earnestly desired to share Jesus Christ with others to the very end.
He was a loving father who enjoyed working side by side with his family—fixing cars and boats, building a house, and making circuit boards. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and exploring the forest.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly; his sons, Christopher Smith of Euless, TX, David (Laura) Smith of Commerce Township, MI, and Daniel (Lindie) Smith of Columbus, IN; and eleven grandchildren, Elijah, Emerson, Benjamin, Judah, Isaac, Hannah, Nathan, Clayton, Tyler, Stephanie, and Skylan; as well as eleven siblings: Jim, Kathy, Patty, Lucy, Susy, Mary, Judy, Gerry, Matthew Peter and Marty.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sibling in infancy, and one granddaughter.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Care Net Pregnancy Center of Berkley/Detroit, carenetberkleydetroit.org.
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 8:38–39
A private family service will be held at a later date.