Thomas E. Smith, Sr.

Thomas E. Smith, Sr. (Tom) Greenville (Salem Twp) passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side at the Cleveland Clinic on Saturday, July 31, 2021. He was 86.

He was born in Greenville, PA on November 20, 1934, a son of the late Vinton L. and Eleanor Marie (Dick) Smith. He was a fourth-generation dairy farmer at their family owned and operated “Lazy Acres Dairy” in Salem Township until he retired. Both sons, now fifth generation, continue to carry on the family’s agricultural heritage. Thomas Jr., his wife Pam and their son Austin, the sixth generation, continue to operate the family farm and are establishing a robotic dairy facility.

Tom graduated from Penn High School, Greenville, PA. He voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army and served honorably in the 40th tank Battalion, 4th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict Era, earning a good conduct medal.

On November 28, 1964, he married the love of his life, Carol Louise Holler in Winchester, VA.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carol, Greenville; three children: daughter Onalee (Tom) Hall, Greenville; Vinton (Sharon) Smith, Gettysburg; and Thomas (Pam) Smith, Jr., Greenville. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Andrew Hall, Chesapeake, Virginia; Kaitlyn Hall, Morgantown, West Virginia; Lauren & Collin Smith, Gettysburg; Rachel Smith, Pittsburgh; and Austin Smith of Greenville. He also has two great-grandchildren, Charlotte and Josephine Hall, Chesapeake, Virginia.

Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Elaine (Smith) Riley, Greenville, sister-in-law, Sally (Peters) Smith, Greenville, Sister-in-law, Norma (Holler) Satterlee, brother-in-law, Paul Satterlee, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; triplet daughters: Melissa Sue, Melinda Sue and Michelle Sue, an infant brother, a brother Harrison (Buster) Smith, mother-in-law Gladys (Russell) Holler and father-in-law Walter Holler, brother-in-law Merle Holler, brother-in-law Bill Holler, sister-in-law Virginia Holler and a dear and long-time friend, Allen Lowers.

Tom served the agricultural community in various organizations and leadership roles. He was chairman of the former Greenville Agway store committee, the local Agway Council and served on the Agway Cooperative Executive Board of Directors for more than 15 years. He served on the board’s Budget and Audit Committee and a director of the Agway Insurance Company and Agway General Agency, Inc. He served on the Mercer County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) as well. Tom also was active in the Kennard Grange, the Pennsylvania Holstein Association, and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Tom served his local community through many organizations. He served on the Stevenson Cemetery Board of Directors for 33 years, including many years as President. He was on the Commodore Perry School Board for 15 years and held positions of President and Vice-President, in which he received three awards from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association and the local school for his contributions and service to education. He was also a former director of Mercer County Vocational/Technical school and a member of the PA School Board Association.

Tom had interests in beekeeping, working in his machinery shop, spending time in the woods and enjoying a conversation with friends over a cup of coffee. Many years ago, he earned his private pilot’s license for single engine land airplanes. He attended the North Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church, Salem Twp., Greenville.

One of his proudest accomplishments was the construction of Smith Memorial Chapel located in the Stevenson Cemetery. In 2006, Tom and Carol had this chapel built in memory of their three infant daughters.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Robert L. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 3223 Perry Hwy., Sheakleyville, PA with Rev. Michael Marshall, pastor of the North Salem Wesleyan Methodist Church officiating.  Family and friends may call on Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Additionally, a calling hour will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the funeral service.

He will be laid to rest at the Stevenson Cemetery. A committal service will be held in the Smith Memorial Chapel followed by military funeral honors conducted by the American Legion, Greenville, PA.  

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Stevenson Cemetery Chapel Fund, c/o Mr. Marty Aubel, Stevenson Cemetery Sec/Treas. at 4 Kennard Road, Greenville, PA 16125.

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