Obituary: Carl Thomas "Tommy" Smith
Carl Thomas "Tommy" Smith, 82, of Kinston, NC passed away on Monday, August 17, 2026 at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Kinston. He was born on April 1, 1944 in Farmville, NC.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Haywood and Ada Smith; foster parents Lot and Mayme Whitfield West; and brother, Joseph Smith.
In Carl's younger years, he served in the US Army. He enjoyed time on his family farm, gardening and serving as a good steward of the land and its resources. When he was not at the farm, he enjoyed learning and teaching the ins and outs of sales. He worked for local TV stations in media advertising across eastern North Carolina for many years and later started his own media business, including creating commercials and sales seminars for businesses. When he wasn't working, Carl enjoyed traveling with family to the beach, mountains, and anywhere a car would go. He cherished time with his family and friends and was always ready with a quick witted joke or motivational tip. With a fishing pole in one hand and a business card in the other, Carl was always eager to talk to anyone. He was a member of Lane's Chapel Church.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of almost 60 years, Beth Davenport Smith of Kinston; daughter, Paige Hutto (Jody) of Apex, NC; son, Shawn Smith (Susan) of Garner, NC; grandchildren, Hailey Tate (Sam), Josie Smith, Maddie Hutto, Jonah Smith, and Jude Smith; great-grandchild, Ada Tate; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, August 20 at 2:00pm, at Garner Funeral Home in Kinston with visitation immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Carl's memory to the Wounded Warrior Project and Shriners Children's.
Special thanks to the loving staff at the North Carolina State Veterans Home in Kinston.
Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
On-line condolences may be sent to garnerfuneralhome.com
