Thomas “Winkie” Smith Former Businessman Dies Christmas Day
Published 12:12 pm Wednesday, August 11, 2010
DECEMBER 29 – With arms opened wide, Jesus welcomed Thomas Winfred “Winkie” Smith home to celebrate Christmas in Heaven on Friday, December 25, 2009. Many of his beloved family preceded him in death, his wife, Frances Hamlett Smith, three brothers, Lester Smith of Amherst, and Smitty and Linnie Smith of Farmville, four sisters, Viola Parker, Claudia Scott and Virginia Jones all of Lynchburg, and Christine Fitzgerald of Farmville.
He was born on May 30, 1921 in Nelson County, son of the late Thomas William Smith and Elizabeth Pugh Smith. Mr. Smith and two of his brothers established and operated Smitty Brothers Electrical Company for over 35 years on Main Street. He was a graduate of Coyne Electrical School in Chicago, Illinois. In later years he was a real estate developer creating the subdivisions of Crestview and Milnwood Manor, and in his free time used his talents to create jewelry and stained glass lamps. He was a charter member of Heritage Baptist Church. During World War II he served in the US Army for three years as a radio operator Technical Sergeant in the 195 Field Artillery Battalion in Europe.
Mr. Smith is survived by a loving daughter, Lorraine Smith of Farmville; and a much loved son, Oscar Smith of Las Vegas, Nevada; a special lady friend, Mae Sizemore of Farmville; sister, Ruby Smith of Amherst; two sister-in-laws, Dottie Smith of Farmville and Marie Wells of Richmond; many nieces and nephews. Thanks to his many, many dear friends, Winkie would agree, “it was a wonderful life.”
Funeral services were held Monday at Heritage Baptist Church with interment in Trinity Memorial Gardens.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heritage Baptist Church. Puckett Funeral Home, Farmville, was in charge of arrangements.
www.puckettfh.com