Floyd T. Smith Jr.
July 16, 1945 – March 6, 2024
Floyd T. Smith Jr. (Tom), 78, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at home with his significant other Patty at his bedside. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Doris Smith, and his brother, Danny Smith.
Tom was deeply loved and will be sadly missed by Patty, his two sisters, Joan Upson and Debbie Jones of Burlington, VT; his nephew, Ben Smith; and step-children, Tina (Joe Madeya), Michael and Brian Cooke; plus, his dearest and longtime friends, Lynda Weaver and Matthew Bean.
Tom joined the Navy at age 18 to pursue the study of electronics. However, two years later he was seriously injured in his Corvair, which caused him to become a quadriplegic. After spending two years in the Boston VA for rehabilitation, he moved to Burlington and lived with his parents.
In 1972, Tom moved to the Holiday Travel Resort where he could enjoy Florida’s wonderful sunshine year-round and the freedom of spending every day roaming, independently, throughout the park and marina in his wheelchair.
He loved being on Lake Harris and purchased a pontoon boat in which he taught several young people to water ski. Along with their parents, his terrific friends, he explored all Harris connecting waterways. Cruising the Caribbean on big ships and patronizing the casinos were his favorite pastimes.
Tom enjoyed life while presenting an extremely positive attitude; he touched the hearts of many people, friends and mere acquaintances! A wonderful giant of a man! He will return to the God who loaned him, lovingly, to us for 78 years.
