Thomas Milton Smith, also known as T.M. Smith, Daddy, Poppie, and Paw Paw, was born June 8, 1951, to Grover Otis and Lucille Burris Smith. He was raised in the Mars Hill community with sisters Kathryn Morgan and Nell Griffin and brother Elton Smith. He married the love of his life, Virginia Kay Nettles, and they lived in Smithdale, where they raised two children, Tonya Smith Adams (Jamie Adams) and Jason Webb Smith (Paige Fortenberry Smith).  They were married for 51 years as she preceded him in death.  Milton, as many called him, had a servant's heart and went out of his way to help others regardless of the task or need. He loved a good laugh, whether it be a story told, joke, or prank, and truly enjoyed the simple things in life.  A retired railroad conductor from Illinois Central Railroad (Canadian National), he was also an avid fisherman with his friends Carl Wilson and Mike Wells at Lake Mary. He was known by many for his over-the-top fish fry.  Milton enjoyed attending auctions in Ruth and Osyka with his many "auction buddies" and spending time with his brother-in-law, Phil Nettles. He had a newfound interest in planting, harvesting, and making cane syrup with his friend, Buddy.  Most of all, he loved his family and friends he considered family Jeanette Wroten, Linda, and Billy Pat Cupid.  He had four great-grandchildren, Aiden, Waylon, Kayslin, and Mattie Mae, who loved him fiercely, and that love was equally reciprocated.  He had four grandchildren, Ian Scott Adams (Nuisha Adams), Courtney Adams Wilkerson (Matthew Wilkerson), Kathryn Ayer Smith, and Jackson Webb Smith whom he was very proud of.  Milton was a member of Thompson Baptist Church.  He dedicated a lot of time and was tenacious in preserving the habitat and hunt of the National Turkey Wildlife Federation for numerous years. At the age of 72, he never slowed down and was always set to go if it meant work or an adventure.  He will truly be missed by those who knew him and loved him.

Pallbearers are Wendell Wilson, Mitch Wilson, Drew Wilson, Matthew Wilkerson, Buddy Reeves, and Nelson Estes. Honorary pallbearers are Jackson Smith, Aiden Anders, and Waylon Wilkerson. Visitation will be Friday at 9-11 at Mount Olive Baptist Church with funeral and graveside service to follow.