Thomas Guy Smith

On Monday, April 6, 2015, Thomas Guy Smith, of Midland, went to be with the Lord in Heaven, at the age of 79. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Richard Williams of the Church of Christ of Groesbeck officiating. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Rand, Doug Rand, Ricky Rand, Keith Rand, Kevin Fikes, and Glenn Long. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Smith, Michael Smith, Robert Smith, Clayton Smith, Tristan Smith, and Michael Smith, Jr. Thomas was born on November 9, 1935 in Tipton Oklahoma. Shortly after his birth his family relocated to Dallas and then moved to Richardson, where he grew up and graduated from Richardson High School in 1953. He met Peggy Joan Rand in Groesbeck Texas in October of 1955, while attending Texas A&M University. Thomas obtained a degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1957. Texas A&M University was a huge part of his life all the way to his death. His favorite phrase was always “Gig Em Aggies”. He remained an alumni and donor for the rest of his life. Thomas and Peggy fell in love and were married on March 28, 1956. They spent 49 happy years together and had two amazing sons. They relocated to Midland Texas in 1978. In 1980 he founded Mechanical Equipment INC. In the years prior, he worked for Gardener-Denver and White-Superior as an Engineer/Salesman/Sales Manager. Thomas poured his heart and soul into his company,. Thomas had his priorities and his affairs in order. He always told others “be sure to plan ahead you never know what might happen”. He always treated his employees fairly. He always said “family first business second”. When things went wrong for his employees, he always took good care of them. He was an "old school" business man and he believed in quality over quantity. When it came to his family he taught them life lessons such as “you have to work for what you have”. It was very important for him to teach his sons and grandchildren if you have to work for what you have you will appreciate things more. He knew the true value of a dollar. Thomas grew up during the The Great Depression. His brother was an architect and designed the house they lived in. When his grandchildren would visit him he would get out pictures of that old house and tell the story of struggles they went through growing up. Thomas always gave great advice to his family. He told them the secrets of life and the wonders of the universe. He had a rough exterior but a heart of gold. Thomas also spent a great part of his life traveling. He took his family on trips to places such as Lahitas, Mount Rushmore, and Yellow Stone National Park. His grandchildren will remember these trips and times they spent with granddaddy for the rest of their lives. Thomas was preceded in death by the love of his life of 49 years Peggy Joan Rand Smith, and his son, Randall Lamar Smith. He is survived by his son Robert (Bobby) Craig Smith of Midland; his grandchildren, Charles Smith and his wife Summer Smith of Odessa; Melissa Smith of Midland; Michael Smith and his fiancé Jennifer Wycuff of Jerrel; and Dolores Russworn of Jerrel. He had eight great grandchildren that loved him dearly. Thomas is also survived by many other close friends, family members and the employees of MEI, and many members of Peggy Rand Smith's family in Groesbeck. A sincere "Thank You" to the staff at Parks Methodist Villiage for the care that they gave to granddaddy and the family during this devastating time.