Thurman "Pete" Smith Jr.

Thurman Lee Smith, Jr. affectionately known as “Pete” was born on to the late Thurman Lee Smith Sr. and Dora Lloyd Smith in Bethel, North Carolina on May 27, 1944. He departed this life suddenly on January 18, 2024. He received his education in the Bethel Public School System. He moved to Baltimore, Maryland in the early 1960’s. He worked for Ward Machinery for 36 years now known as MarquipWardUnited. For the last 15 years, Pete worked as a contract worker at Coty (Proctor and Gamble) via Staff Management. Pete was joined in holy matrimony to the former Mary (PollyAnn) Louise Jones on April 4, 1964. From this union two sons were born, Rodney Allen Smith and Thurman Reginald (Reggie) Smith. The love did not stop there because more children were joined to this union: Phyllis Shaw-Flowers, Larry Jones, Anthony Jones, and Bernadette Jones-Boyd. His Christian journey started in Noth Carolina and continued to Baltimore. He joined Calvary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Hayward Robinson. He continued his membership under the current pastor, Dr. Stephen Russell. Pete was a member of the Senior Usher Board and loved being a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. Also, Pete loved to worship with his wife and sons at Zion Deliverance Center formerly called Christian Temple Faith Church. Pete loved cutting lawns in his neighborhood and built quite a demand for his services. He would work a full day, come home and “take care of a few houses” before watching the O’s, Lakers, Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson, or Ravens (although he was not their biggest fan). Mowing lawns brought back childhood memories of being raised on farms and his dad’s passion with lawn mower repairs. In addition, Pete was an avid lover of his cars, always making sure his vehicles were cleaned inside and out, rain or sunshine. It was always entertainment to witness his enjoyment of watching old westerns, NASCAR, football, and baseball, as he coached and talked trash (…wooo child)! As a child, Pete loved playing baseball and sports, which was passed down to his children and several grandchildren as well. He was proud of their athletic accomplishments. Pete loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who referred to him as Grandpa. Pete was preceded in death by his son Thurman (Reggie) and leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Mary (PollyAnn); sons, Rodney (Boo-Boo/Bear), Larry (Darnell), Anthony (Toot); daughters, Phyllis (Maxine) and Bernadette; daughters-in-love, Deborah and Keisha; 14 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Hilda Mae; niece, Gloria; nephews, Albert and Tyrone; two cousins who were like brothers Willie (Sonny) and James (Bo); and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to flowers as an expression of sympathy, the family requests donations be made to Raising Men & Women Lawn Care Service https://weareraisingmen.com/donate/ in honor of “Pete”.

Tributes

Thurman "Pete" Smith Jr.

May 27, 1944 - January 18, 2024