Thomas Smallwood

Thomas Smallwood, 78, of Hewitt, passed into his eternal rest Saturday, September 23, 2017. A Memorial Service will be 10:00 am, Thursday, September 28, 2017 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church in Hewitt. An Inurnment with follow at Waco Memorial Park. There will be a visitation from 6:00-7:00 pm and a Rosary from 7:00-8:00 pm Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.

Thomas Hart Smallwood was born on December 9th, 1938 to Thomas Benjamin and Gladys Clara Smallwood in Los Angeles California. He grew up in Burbank California with his sister, Mary Jane and Brothers Robert George, James Calloway, and Richard Ross. After completing High school at John Burroughs in Burbank, he enlisted in the United States Army. In 1957 he was stationed at the Patch Barracks, Stuttgart Germany where he met and married Elly Riegler on August 14th, 1959. In March of 1960 they welcomed their first child, Natascha Gladys into their family followed by Susanne Mary in May 1961 and sons Jeffrey Thomas Herman in November 1964 and Thomas Hart Jr in August 1968. Tom's military career spanned 20 years. In 1968 he attended Flight school in Ft. Walters Texas training to become a helicopter pilot and graduated as a warrant officer warrant officer. He received his wings in Georgia in February 1969. Tom completed two tours of duty in Vietnam where he flew Cobras and Hueys. He had the pleasure of not only meeting but flying Vice President Spiro Agnew over war torn areas and was present at the invasion of Saigon flying hostages to safety during the evacuation of the US Embassy. During his service he received several awards and medals including the Bronze Star, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm, Senior Army Aviator Badge, and 27 Air medal awards with Valor. Tom retired from service in Fort Hood in 1977 as a CW2, and shortly after moved his family to Waco where he became a helicopter pilot for F.M. Young and later became the private pilot to Senator Marvin Leath. In 1982 Tom started working for the city of Waco as the Safety Director where he instituted numerous new policies, procedures, and programs to keep the citizens of Waco safe. He retired from the city in 2002 and spent the remainder of his life enjoying his family and friends. He loved the mountains of Colorado and visited as often as he could. He also loved woodworking and spent hours in his shop creating beautiful and original pieces. Tom was a lifetime member of VFW Post 6008 and served as the Quartermaster from 2007 to 2008. Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus and supported various charities. He had a great love for his family and devoted his life to leaving a legacy of love, strength, and honor. Tom is and will always be a patriot; he had a strong commitment and devotion to his community, his country, her laws, the flag and our military. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, and friend. He never met a stranger and always had a "story " for anyone that wanted to listen. In your time of need he was always there to help in any way he could. He was the foundation of his family and a HERO to his children and grandchildren.

Tom is preceded in death by his Father Thomas B Smallwood, Mother Gladys C Smallwood, Sister Mary J Brightwell, Brothers Robert G Smallwood and Richard R Smallwood and by his Son Jeffrey T H Smallwood.

He leaves behind his wife Elly R Smallwood, Brother James C Smallwood, Daughters Natascha G Greer and Husband Kevin, Susanne M Hammond and Husband Randy, Son Thomas H Smallwood Jr. and companion Gwen Ford, Grandsons and Granddaughters; Benjamin and wife Jodi, T J, Lindsey and boyfriend Shane, Andrew and fiancé Diana, Natalie and husband Darrell, Erin, Jeffrey, Matthew, Christopher, Paul and wife Amanda, Aaron, Brandy, and Paula, 14 Great Grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM ,Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Grace Gardens Funeral Home
8220 Woodway Dr Waco, Tx 76712

Rosary

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Grace Gardens Funeral Home Chapel
8220 Woodway Drive Waco, TX 76712

Memorial Service

10:00 AM ,Thursday, September 28, 2017
St. Jerome Catholic Church
9820 Chapel Rd. Waco, TX 76712

Interment

11:30 AM ,Thursday, September 28, 2017
Waco Memorial Park
6623 S. IH 35 Robinson, tx 76706