Pastor Thomas Paul Smith

Thomas Paul Smith, age 48, of Whitehouse, Ohio, entered through the Gates of Heaven into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Monday afternoon, April 28, 2014. He was born October 19, 1965, in Zeeland, Michigan to Paul James and Patsy Joyce (Luyk) Smith. On April 11, 1992, he married his loving wife, Nancy Pace.

Tom received his Master of Divinity degree from Bob Jones University and served as Pastor at several churches; currently serving as Pastor of Grace Bible Fellowship of Swanton for the past 3 years. He also was a driver's education instructor for Key Driving School.

Tom loved the Lord with all his heart and loved preaching the Gospel. He praised Him with song with his wonderful singing ability. He especially enjoyed working with the youth and telling them about the Lord Jesus Christ. When Tom wasn't preaching the Gospel, you could find him fishing with his family.

Besides being a Christian man, Tom was an all around family man who deeply loved his wife and children. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 22 years, Nancy; mother, Patsy; children, Emily, Kaylah, Ryan and Alyssa; brother, Phil (Beth) Smith; sisters, Chris (Mel) Montgomery, Karen (Neil) Ruffner and Sharon Baker; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phobus and Margaret Pace; brother-in-law, Greg (Amy) Pace; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Paul James Smith.

Family and friends may visit Friday, May 2nd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 14070 Bailey Rd., Grand Rapids, OH 43522, where funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastors Timothy Potter and Timothy Coley officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made at any PNC Bank c/o the children of Thomas P. Smith.

Residence: Whitehouse, Ohio

Visitation: Friday, May 2nd from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at Bethany Baptist Church in Grand Rapids, Ohio

Funeral Service: Friday, May 2nd at 11:00 am in the Church

Interment: Mt. Pleasant Cemetery