Mr. Thonnie Smith Sr.

A TIME TO BE BORN God in His infinite wisdom, on Friday, September 27, 1946, in Wilson, North Carolina, blessed the late Wiliam Henry and Eva Mac Dickerson - Smith with the birth of twin sons, the first born being Thonnie Smith. A TIME TO GROW Thonnie, affectionately known as, "Big Boy, Smitty or Daddy", attended Wilson County public schools. He was a proud alumnus of Springfield High School in Wilson, County. As a child he had to work in the fields, whether it was feeding the pigs or picking tobacco, Thonnie seemingly found a reason to get out of field work by telling his parents he had a test in school, which was always a lie. Growing up in Mama's house there was one chair that only he could sit in and if someone was to sit in it, he was sure to make them get up. Thonnie always found ways to make money, especially by cutting grass. A TIME TO WORK "Big Boy" moved to Baltimore and was employed by Sinai Hospital. While working there he realized his calling was working with his hands. He later worked as an automotive mechanic then pursued his talents in the field of carpentry, establishing his own business as a great carpenter: Working for family members and clients, "Big Boy" could fix anything, making it looks twice as better! Thonnie worked in this capacity until his health failed. A TIME TO LOVE "Smitty" met and married Catherine Crudup and from this union his oldest son Thonnie Jr (Pooh) was born. He later met and married Rosmund Gladden from this union came his bonus son Byron, then he was blessed with his children, Anton, Monica & Thonnia. "Smitty" later met Elaine Hooper and from this union he was blessed with his bonus daughter Autumn and later his last born son Michael. A TIME TO LIVE "Big Boy" was the life of the party, known for his wisdom and style. Ile had an impeccable fashion sense, whether in sharp suits, with hats to match, or his 2-piece leisure suits with color coordinated shoes. Let's not forget a ring on every finger, gold necklaces and a set of gold fronts on his teeth that spelled out $mitty. What a Kool Daddy he was!! Smitty was a true grill master. The weather was never too cold and he was never too busy to invite you to dine at 1924 W. Franklin Street, for some ribs and a cold beer: In addition to his style and skills on the grill, with "Smitty", a good ole time was had anytime the Smith Boys traveled down home to North Carolina. A TIME TO REST Surrounded by his two caregiver's, son Michal and brother Roy Lee, Daddy exhaled and God inhaled, now he's resting in the eternal presence of our lord and savior Jesus Christ. A TIME TO MOURN Daddy was preceded in death by his wife Rosmund Gladden; son Anton Gladden Sr (Boobie), grandson Anton Gladden Jr; his parents, William Henry and Eva Mae Dickerson-Smith; sister Lorice Sharrod Deans, 7 brothers, Wille Smith, Howard Earl Smith, Jarvis Smith, Donnie "Shank" Smith (his twin), Billy Sherrod, Alton Shred, and Samuel Ray Smith. He leaves to cherish his memories: his children Thonnie Smith Jr (Pooh), Monica Bond (Treacie) husband Raymond, Thonnia Gladden (Woodie), Michael Smith (Bootsie Bootsie); grandchildren, Akuila Gladden, Tavione Jackson, Tyeonne Jackson and Rashad Bond; bonus children, Byron Gladden (Ron) and Autumn Davis (Rashod); One special bonus granddaughter Winter Davis, siblings Roy Lee Smith (Patricia) of Baltimore, Wanda Renfrow (Richard) of Raleigh, North Carolina and Darnell Smith of Washington, DC; sisters-in-laws, Nancy and Mary; his Special Love Elaine Hooper; his Special Nurse of 16 years Elaine Williams; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, others relatives and friends.

Tributes

Mr. Thonnie Smith Sr.

September 27, 1946 - November 29, 2025