Thomas Ira Smith

Thomas 'Ira' Smith, 74, of Columbus, OH passed away Thursday, December 2nd at The Laurels of West Columbus, joining his loved ones in Heaven. He was the eldest of 12 children, born on August 25, 1947 in Kermit, WV to Elbert and Pricie Smith.

Known as Ira to his close friends and family, he retired from Inland Products (Columbus) after 30+ years and was a self-taught handyman in his spare time. Thomas will be remembered for being friendly to others, loving to tell the biggest fish stories, hunting, and hitting the dance floor with his wife and children. Other hobbies included working on car engines, home improvement projects, bowling, watching classic TV reruns, and traveling to Las Vegas and regional Riverboat casinos for weekend excursions.

As a teenager, he fell in love and pursued Barbara Ryan, winning her hand in marriage on February 12th, 1966. Together, they settled in Columbus and extended their family (32 members) in West Columbus.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara, and his children Brenda (Robert) Melchor, Virginia (Prentice) Robinette, Machele (Scott) Rupert, and Thomas Jr. Thomas is survived by 8 sisters and 2 brothers, 13 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Pricie Smith, his brother Carl Smith and a grandchild, Peggy Jean Robinette.

With grateful hearts, we appreciate the kindness, compassion, and caring efforts of the nursing staff at Hospice of Central Ohio and The Laurels of West Columbus.

The family will receive visitors from 4:00pm - 6:00 pm on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions, 3393 Broadway, Grove City OH, with a funeral service immediately following at 6:00pm at the funeral home.

His final resting place will be Eastlawn Cemetery in Columbus, OH.

Messages of condolence for the family may be left at www.NewcomerColumbus.com