Thomas Willard "Tom" Smith

Thomas Willard "Tom" Smith, 81, of Vine Arden Rd., Morganton, NC died Sunday, August 30, 2009 at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County, NC on July 12, 1928, he was the son of the late Alex Smith and Mattie Epley Smith. Thomas was a retired employee of Inmont Corporation and enjoyed woodworking.Tom is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Franklin Smith of the home; a son Tommy Smith and his wife, Sherri; a grandson, Chad Smith and his wife, Victoria; great-granddaughters, Alexis and Laiken Smith and a number of nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a brother, Paul Smith; sisters, Ida Jackson, Annie Bollinger, and Lucy Roper; and a step-brother, Walter Epley.A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at Burke Memorial Park with Rev. Freddy Lindsey officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. The family would like to give special thanks to Blue Ridge Home Health Staff who lovingly cared for Tom for the past two years.