Thomas Eugene Millersmith was born on January 27, 1938, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Thomas J and Naomi R Ledford. His father, Thomas, passed away tragically when Tom was just 3 years of age. When his father died he stayed at St. Joseph's Children's Home until his mom could arrange for a more permanent place for them to live. He remembered when the kids went out to play, the nuns who ran the orphanage put some peanut butter in wax paper, folded it, and put it in their pockets to take for a snack. He always loved peanut butter, by the spoon full!  In 1945, Naomi married Lloyd F Smith (Smitty) and moved to Spokane in 1950. Tom attended Willard and North Central High School and later joined the Navy in 1957.

He began his 57 year hairdressing career in 1963. In 1971, he married Susan Miller. In 1972, Tom and Sue moved back to Spokane, and Tom began working as a breakman for the Union Pacific Railroad. He used to ride his bike to work out to Sprague and Havana. If he wasn't riding his bike, he enjoyed driving his '68 Primrose Yellow MGB.  Later, because the railroad job took him out of town so often, they opened "Hair Etc." in 1975 on the corner of Francis and Nevada. This became his life long career and his home away from home. He loved being a salon owner, employer, platform artist at numerous hair shows for Sebastian, and a member of the Inland Empire Cosmetology Association. Tom was well-loved by his employees and customers alike, and believe me…they have their own stories to share!

Tom deeply loved his children, and some of the best times of his life were when they were born. His oldest son Jeff was born in 1956, Tony came along in 1960 when he was 22, Andy in 1962, Derek in 1965 when he was 27 years old. Later, Shawna was born in 1979 when he was 41, and Tisha in 1981 when he just turned 43. His love of children overflowed into caring for foster children from 1972-1974, Toby, Shirley and Greg. Now in these years that follow, he has numerous grandchildren, great gandchildren, and many nieces and nephews; so many more than he would have ever imagined. Tom's love for his children is unconditional. Tom was a dad who held us when we cried, scolded us when we broke the rules, shined with pride when we succeeded and had faith in us even when we failed. Tom was very affectionate, many people will remember how confronting his big bear hugs were.

There were so many things that brought Tom joy. He had a love for music, especially the great artists of Jazz and The Blues. Singing and dancing made life enjoyable for Tom. He loved his knife collection, had the best sense of humor and always loved to hear a good (or not so good) joke. Tom was a great listener, and always gave great advice. He loved Louisiana, cajun food and of course the music! Lincoln City was one of his favorite places on earth! He loved the Oregon Coast, walking on the beach and exploring Portland. There were many great memories made with his family and friends whether it was his reading of the Cajun Night Before Christmas, followed by a "wee dram" of Scotch, trips to Lincoln City to enjoy the beach and ocean, or visiting friends in New Orleans.

Tom was on the quiet side and said things in very few words. Many people said Tom was like a well aged whiskey in the barrel of life. He had a positive attitude, blended with the notes of jazz by famous musicians like the trumpets of Dizzy Gillepsie, and Louis Armstrong, and wooed by jazz singers Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Diana Krall.

He was a member of St. Thomas More, Eucharistic Minister, Knights of Columbus, and the Adoration Program. He made a memorable trip to Medjugorje and had a profound relationship with God, The Blessed Mother, The Rosary, and The Divine Mercy. Tom was a soldier for Christ, and was unafraid to share it with others. He never had to use many words when expressing his faith, in fact all he needed to do was drive his pick up showing "My Boss is a Jewish Carpenter" sticker for all to see. Tom will be remembered by many as a kind, humble, forgiving and loving human being.

Tom was preceded in death by his daughter, Natalie, his parents and younger brother, Frank Smith. Tom has left a hole in all of our hearts that will be hard to fill. May his soul rest in peace.