Phillip T. Smith, Sr.

Phillip T. Smith Sr. NORFOLK - Phillip Thomas Smith Sr. passed away Aug. 13, 2011 at the age of 95. He was a native of Norfolk County, Virginia, and the son of the late James Thomas Smith and Hortense Rountree Smith and the widower of Agatha Douglas Smith. Phil attended Deep Creek High School where he was involved in many activities. He was the president of his high school class as well as valedictorian. He went on to attend the College of William and Mary where he was a member of the literary society and debate team. Phil began his career at Smith Douglas Fertilizer Company as a salesman eventually becoming the sales manager for the company. After retiring from the fertilizer company, Phil helped to open Meadowbrook Hardware in Norfolk. This business became an important part of his life, and he became affectionately known as "Mr. Hardware" to his loyal customers. Our dad was proud to become the owner of the store, working there until he was 90 years old. Phil freely gave himself in service to the community. He was a deacon and a longtime member of Larchmont Baptist Church. He served in two capacities for the Kiwanis Club, initially as president of the Downtown Norfolk chapter and later as lieutenant governor at the state level. As a meber of the Boy Scouts Board, he was awarded the high honors of "Order of the Arrow" and "The Silver Beaver Award." He was active in the Toastmasters Club and known for his eloquent public speaking. We also fondly remember the time spent with Dad fishing on the Chesapeake Bay. He is survived by his three loving children, Rebecca Smith Taylor and her husband David Taylor of Sarasota, Fla., Ann Smith Wright and her husband Bill Wright of Virginia Beach and Phillip Thomas Smith Jr. and his wife Gail Smith of Chesapeake. Phil was also blessed with eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The family gratefully acknowledges the love and care shown to Phil by the staff at Harbor's Edge and the faithful service of his friend Nannie Staton. A graveside service will be held for Phil at the Forest Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 11 a.m. Immediately following the service, friends and family are invited to share lunch and to celebrate Phil's life at the home at 221 76th St., Virginia Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tidewater Council of the Boy Scouts located at 1032 Heatherwood Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23455, (757) 497-2688, or a charity of your choice. H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts., Norfolk Chapel, is handling arrangements. Online condolences may be offered to the family at hdoliver.com.