Thomas (TC) Smith III was born on July 25, 1981 to Thomas Smith Jr and Cynthia Kurtz in Detroit Michigan. TC gained his wings on January 16, 2021. Although he lived most his life in Detroit, he spent several years in Anchorage Alaska as well. TC returned to Detroit to graduate from Laura F. Osborne High School Class of 1999.

Upon graduation TC found his love for cooking. He spent many years pursing that love. He also found love in Monique Young. They were married in March 2009. From that union they had TC's pride and joy Treveon (Tre) Cordell Smith.

TC later found his third love coaching Pop Warner Football. His greatest joy was coaching Tre and his nephew Christopher (CJ) Smith Jr. TC started as just an active parent of the Detroit Knights. Wanting to make an impact in the sport for young men he became one of the founding fathers of the Detroit Cardinals.  Where he also held the title of commissioner.  He then worked his way to becoming the President of Say Play Warriors, and the title of Vice President of the Southeastern Michigan Pop Warner League. His football family was his world.

TC was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother Shirley Kurtz, maternal grandfather Fredrick Kurtz and Uncle Michael Stevenson.

TC leaves to cherish and honor his legacy his son Treveon (Tre) Smith, Mother Cynthia Annette Kurtz (Smith), Father Thomas Smith Jr. Two Sisters Aisha (Jeff) Rogers, Danielle Harris. Five brothers Christopher (Chris), Tory, Trisden Smith, Darrien Payton, and Daniel (Scooter) Harris. He also leaves two nephews Christopher (CJ aka Jizzal Man) Smith Jr, Malik (Chunk his best friend) Rogers.  Three nieces Christiana (Ana Mamma), Christina (My Uncles) Smith, and Mariah Rogers.

Poems

Miss Me But Let Me Go

Son you gained your wings before our hearts were ready. But now you can rest and be our Guardian Angel to watch over us.

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom filled room. Why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little, but not too long And not with your head bowed low, Remember the love that we shared Miss me but let me go. For this journey we must all take, And each must go alone, It's all part of the Master's plan A step on the road HOME When you are lonely and sick of heart Go to the friends we know, And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss Me But Let Me Go. Love you son from your Mom Cynthia Smith & Bonus Moms Leslie Smith

Missing You Always

TC you never said you were leaving. TC you never said Goodbye. You were gone before I knew it. And only God knows why. In life I loved you dearly. In death I love you still. In my heart I hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you. But you didn't go alone. A part of me went with the day God called you home. Love you Pops

Man listen you messed me up with this one, but Imma just the process as you would say. Bro you already know how much I love you. Man, words can't express this pain. I was so blessed and honored to have you as my Big Brother. Man, the memories I have will be with me until I get to see you again. You already know I'm gon keep the promise I can't ever compare to you when it comes to Tre. But one thing for sure he won't go without. Love you until we meet again. Love you your Lil Bro Chris

I've been sitting for 3 days trying to find the words. How can I start this when I haven't accepted this? With the many things I have gone through in life, I can say I truly didn't know what the word hard meant until now. This is hard! But what I do know is God gives the hardest & toughest battles to His strongest soldiers. Brother you always told your sister she was strong, Thank you for that! You made me believe I was strong. What you instilled in is helping me get through this, moment to moment. I Love You! I got Tre. I know you're watching over Malik. You know the rest. Continue to walk this walk with me. As I trust this process. Your Esha (Pretty Sister)

TC my mind is blank, my heart is empty, my body is numb. I'm angry and confused. Why did it have to be you? I would've never thought I would be doing something like this for you. You were such a loving and caring person who didn't deserve this. Yet it brings me joy because you're no longer suffering and that's all I ever wanted for you. I love you and will miss you dearly. Continue to watch over all of us. While you're at it let my dad know I love and miss him as well. Danielle aka Dee-Yo

Of all the things that we will miss the most about you Bro, is your laugh. You had a rare type of laugh that was contagious and could make anyone laugh with you. We will cherish every memory with you. Mostly the good times, even some of the bad times, the roasts, and remember that you could always laugh through them all. Until we meet again. We love you. Your Lil Bros Darrien (DP) and Trisden (Triz)

As seasons change and time goes on. The memories we have of you etched in stone. You had the biggest smile and the kindest heart. We were blessed to have a big brother like you from the very start. I can't imagine this big world without you here. But I know you'll be looking down on us so I will not fear. You gave more than you received. You had dreams that time did not allow you to achieve. Your legacy will live on in the ones who knew you best. My dear brother take your rest. The phrase "gone but never forgotten" has always been so cliché. But at a time like this it is so fitting to say. I will hear your laughter when I close my eyes. And in those moments, I'll feel you by my side. You will be missed but I know you're in a better place. You fought a good fight, did your best and ran your race. My dear brother with the most beautiful soul. I imagine you walking down the heavenly streets of gold. So, rest on and know that you are forever Loved! Your brother Tory Thomas and sister Nikki

Man, Big Homie, Big Bro! Words can't express how I'm feeling right now. I'm going start by saying I miss you cuz, I really do! We had a bond no one could come between us. I love you for that. You were more than the average cousin. You're motivating, determined and competitive. You brought that out of me each day. You would tell people how you felt whether they liked it or not. You gave straight facts! T, I'm going to miss you! You're the true definition of a great man & father. In the words of the late Kobe "Bean" Bryant, T OUT! But never forgotten! I love you big Bro, Love Kev

We thought of you with love today but that's nothing new. We thought about you yesterday and the days before that too. We think of you in silence we often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is our keepsake with which we'll never part. God has you in His keeping We will have you in our hearts. Love TeamFav

Loving Thomas Smith- The moment you left me, my heart split in two. One side filled with memories; the other side died with you. I lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep, and I take a walk down memory lane as tears roll down my cheeks. Remembering you is easy; I can do it every day. But missing you comes with heartache, that may never go away. I hold you always in my heart and there you will remain. For all of us you left behind life will never be the same. Your Aunties Crystal, Sumeka (Meka), Toni, Peyton, Kim, Tranice (Niecy).