Thomas Stocker Smith Sr. was born on March 8, 1941, in Bardstown, Kentucky, to Bertram and Sylvia Smith. He had five brothers and two sisters.

He was more than a son, a father, a husband, a brother, a mentor, and friend. He was the whole sun, and we all revolved around his warmth and light. He believed in chasing dreams and instilled that pursuit into his children. He left the comfort of his home in Kentucky, a stable family business, and risked it all to pursue his dreams of becoming a pilot. He moved to Colorado to actualize that dream. Guided by his passion and determination, he embarked on a remarkable journey through the aviation world. His career achievements are too many to list but include, Lead Instructor at Spartan School of Aeronautics, personal pilot for Oral Roberts, numerous instructor positions at Frontier Airlines/Continental Airlines and receiving the FAA Master Pilot Award for 50 years of aviation safety. After retirement from the airlines Tom founded Centennial Flyers in April 2004. Since then, he dedicated his life to inspiring new generations of pilots.

He met Patty Anne Hughes in 1969, and fell in love. The two were married in 1979 and had their first child September 15, 1980, Scott Hughes Smith. Their family quickly grew; Brooke Anne Smith was born March 25th, 1984 followed by Thomas Stocker Smith Jr. on March 04, 1988.

He became Captain in 1981 and commuted to work from Colorado to Newark and Houston. He was determined to have it all, and he did. Being away from his quickly growing children was no easy task, but he took solace in providing his family with the best lives he could give them. The moment he walked through the door from long trips his smile lit up the room and our lives. We lived for the days he would get home; attaching ourselves to his legs and welcoming him. He never came home empty handed. He would always say with a big smile, “ I brought you all something.” We would run to his suitcase with excitement as he pulled out a thoughtful gift for each of us. It was his way of telling us that we were always in his heart no matter how far away he was.

Through life’s trials and tribulations Thomas Stocker Smith Sr. was the constant. He was the father you could tell anything to; the friend that would help you and guide you, and a man of great honor and intellect. That never stopped him from cracking jokes and making funny faces. He never took himself too seriously and always looked for the best in every situation. He taught us all that life is short and to enjoy everyday as a blessing.

Thomas Stocker Smith Sr. had an unwavering faith in God and that faith was with him all the way to the very end. He knew God in his heart and that brought him great comfort and peace.

Tom became a Smith Brothers Distributing Company shareholder in 1972. He served on the Board of Directors for over 51 years was actively involved in the company. He was a regular attendee for the National Beer Wholesaler’s Association annual events and always enjoyed having a cold Budweiser with his fellow wholesalers and friend’s. If you knew him at all, you knew he was the king of popcorn. No one could do it better.

On March 15th 2019 he wed Deborah Kerr in an airplane while his eldest son Scott Hughes Smith flew them as they made their vows. In her he found a second chance at love. They celebrated every day and always laughed. Deborah was by his side unwaveringly.

Thomas Stocker Smith Sr. was truly loved beyond measure and the love he gave others inspired us all to chase dreams, to believe in ourselves, to fight for what we believe in, to not take life too seriously, and to always say our prayers.

Tom passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 19th, surrounded by his loved ones at 10:10 am. This day was also National Aviation Day, which is fitting for a man who dedicated his life to the development of aviation and inspiring the next generation of future aviators.

As we bid farewell to Tom we reflect on the countless lives he touched and how deeply he affected us all. His legacy will continue to soar in the memories of family, friends, and colleagues who were privileged to know him. May Tom’s spirit inspire us all to reach for the stars, embracing the sky with the same dedication and passion that defined his remarkable life.

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