Tom Smith

Clay Thomas Smith Jr., affectionately known as “Tom,” the beloved husband of Jan Vernon-Smith, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tom was born on March 26, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the only child of Clay Thomas and Dorothy Stadler Smith. He had fond memories of a happy childhood growing up with his adoring parents and playing with his favorite cousins and neighborhood friends. Upon graduation from Withrow High School, Tom was drafted into the Army at the age of 18, proudly serving his country in Vietnam for nearly two years.

Following his military service, Tom returned home to Ohio, where he married Gina Post, and they had two children, Kari and Chad. Tom embarked on a successful career in the building products industry. He and a partner ran a prosperous business, and his sales territory eventually led him to relocate to Utah. For many years, Tom served as sales manager for RW Specialties, a building products wholesale company. Success followed him throughout his working life because he was sociable, likable, and knowledgeable, always cultivating great relationships. People everywhere loved him!

In 1996, mutual friends introduced Tom to Jan, and months later they were married in Sandy, Utah. As of June 1, 2026, they had been happily married for 30 years. When Tom married Jan, he also embraced her four children and their spouses and children, becoming the fun, loving "Grandpa Tom" to all of them.

Tom was defined by his kindness, honesty, and concern for others, always positive and generous with his time and conversation. He was known for his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eyes, and "those baby blues." An athlete to his core, Tom loved all sports but golf truly stole his heart, and he could often be found with a club in hand. Above all, he was a devout Christian and knew Christ as his Savior. Tom was also a proud and dedicated member of AA for many years, honoring the program for saving his life and sponsoring many others. He loved animals, especially the dog he shared with Jan, Rocky.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Clay Thomas and Dorothy Stadler Smith.

He is survived by his wife, Jan Vernon-Smith; his children, Kari Smith and Chad Smith; his stepchildren, Nicole Leatham (Brian Smith), Natosha Tullos (John), Sheena Stephens (TJ), and Mathew Leatham (Brianna); his grandchildren, Parker Smith, Ramiro Fernandez-Seoane, Alexandra Fernandez-Seoane, Jase Marshall (Emily), Taran Marshall (Taylor), Noah Tullos, Ariana Cooper (Schuyler), Jack Stephens (Cadence), Sophia Stephens, and Olivia Stephens; and his five great-grandchildren.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at the William E. Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home for the wonderful care given to Tom.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a viewing at 11 am and the funeral service at 12 pm, taking place at Anderson & Goff Mortuary in Draper, Utah.