Bay County, family, and friends have lost one of its longtime leading citizens, Thomas E Smith, local educator, historian, and humanitarian died at the age of 96 on Sunday, March 30, 2008. Tommy, or Mr. Tommy, as he liked to be called was "born in Panama City at the age of five" He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in education and later a master's degree. He lettered in cross country track and was one of the first Bay High graduates to letter in a college sport.
He served Bay County as a dedicated educator, first as a teacher, later as school superintendent for 12 years and then as a member of the school board for 12 years.
During these years, he initiated many innovative programs and received state and national recognition. Bay County honored him in 1990 by naming its newest school; Tommy Smith Elementary.
The First United Methodist Church was his religious home, where he worshiped, taught Sunday school and served on numerous boards. Tommy was one of the oldest members joining with his mother and father, Y.E. and Daisy Smith, in 1916.
He had a passion for writing and as a very young man was sports editor for the Bay Country Herald and later wrote a sports column "Smithereens of Sports" for the News Herald. Combining his love of history and journalism, he wrote a weekly column for the Bay Beach News for fourteen years. In 2000, at the age of 90, Tommy wrote and published The History of Bay County from the Beginning and later The History of Bay County in Pictures. His published works and even more Bay Country history can be referenced on the internet at www.nwrls.lib.fl.us.
History was his hobby and he was involved in the early years and has continued in an active role in the Historical Society of Bay County, serving in many capacities. Tommy joined the Kiwanis Club in 1948 and served as club president, secretary, and Lt. Governor during his 60 active years. He was a mason, executive chairman of the Red Cross, director of the Cancer Society, and United Way. He served on numerous other boards and received many awards culminating in the "Citizens of the Year" Award in 2001.
"Pop" as he was lovingly known by family and many friends was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, & mentor. Family members remember him for his great love, his wonderful stories, his sense of humor, his commitment, and his faith in God. He loved his fellow man especially those of Bay County. Tommy will be sorely missed, but will be long remembered.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Louise Olliff. He is survived by his daughter, Martha Ellen Swann and son in law, Joel, grandchildren, Michael Swann and wife Debra, Jo Ellen McLean and husband Colin Joseph, great grandchildren, Carter Thomas and Katelyn Swann, Meghan and Martha Grace McLean, all of Maitland, FL ; sister, Jeanette Johnson of Panama City, a niece , two nephews and loving caregivers.
Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church of Panama City. A reception will follow the service in the Trinity Center. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Panama City or Tommy Smith memorial fund for disadvantaged children c/o Tommy Smith Elementary school.