Thomas “Tommy” Welder Smotherman Sr., 78, a resident of Pearl River, born on March 1, 1938, in Varnado, passed away at Greenbriar Nursing Home in Slidell on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. He owned and operated Smotherman Exterminating of Slidell for 50 years. He was a former resident of Varnado, and graduated from Varnado High School.

He is survived by one daughter, Patricia Lee Smotherman (Karen Beall) of Pearl River; two sons, Tommy Smotherman Jr. (Margie) of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Calvin Smotherman of Pearl River; one sister, Patricia Stafford Garcia; two brothers, Benny Smotherman and Kenny Smotherman; three grandchildren, Chris McGahan, Katie Smotherman, and Heather Widas; and one great-grandson, Brandley Baker. Also having shared his life were Faye Knight Smotherman Pigott and Fran Kinsey Smotherman.

He is preceded in death by his father, Delmar Lee Smotherman; and mother, Hattie Fornea Stafford; four sisters, Polly Harris, Dolly Linder, Margie Kuhn, and Maxine Smotherman; three brothers, Don Smotherman, Benjamin Smotherman, and Michael Smotherman; and one great-grandson, Braxton Eastland.

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.