Funeral arrangements have been finalized for Thomas “Tommy” Welder Smotherman Sr., 78, a resident of Pearl River, born on March 1, 1938 in Varnado, who 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.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 25, at Varnado United Methodist Church from 9:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. Memorial services will begin at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Kathy Pfleider officiating. Interment will follow at T. P. Fornea Cemetery.

He is survived by one daughter, Patricia Lee Smotherman (Karen Beall) of Pearl River; two sons, Tommy Smotherman Jr. (Marguerite) of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Calvin Smotherman of Pearl River; one sister, Patricia Stafford Garcia of Gulfport, Miss.; two brothers, Benny Smotherman of Tylertown, Miss., and Kenny Smotherman of Bogalusa; three grandchildren, Chris McGahan, Katie Smothernan 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, Michael and Benjamin Smotherman; and one great-grandson, Braxton Eastland.

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

Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To view and sign the register book, visit online at pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.