Tommy Alexander Smith

Tommy Alexander Smith died peacefully November 1, 2024, at his home in Wake Forest. A native of Albemarle, N.C., he was a devoted husband, friend, and coach.

Tommy had a lifelong passion for baseball as a player and coach. He was a gifted athlete who played for North Carolina State University and was a member of the 1968 team that reached the College World Series for the first time in school history.

Tommy was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 1970. After rising through the Minor Leagues, he made his Major League Baseball debut as a center fielder for the Indians in September 1973. In his fourth game, he hit an inside-the-park home run in Yankees Stadium. His most significant playing time for the Indians came in 1976 as a right fielder. At the end of the season, Seattle selected Smith during the 1976 expansion draft. Tommy played his final MLB season in 1977 as a Seattle Mariner.

After retiring as a player, Tommy remained involved in the game he loved as a coach. He founded Diamond Stars Baseball, where he dedicated more than 40 years to training future generations of baseball players. He had a special place in his heart for all the young athletes he coached. Tommy's family is grateful for the many lives he touched through his passion for the game.

After his baseball career Tommy enjoyed his years working for The Electric Supply Co. with KD Kennedy and his family. After which, he enjoyed a long career with his Ready Mix family.

In addition to baseball, Tommy enjoyed gardening, spending time in the mountains, antiquing, and cooking. He had a special place in his heart for all the young athletes he coached, and Tommy's family is grateful for the many lives he influenced.

Tommy is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Jeannette, as well as a loving extended family and many cherished friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Margaret Smith.

A funeral service will be held at one o'clock, Friday afternoon, November 8, 2024 in the Mausoleum Chapel at Raleigh Memorial Park, where Tommy will be entombed. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Miracle League of the Triangle(www.mltriangle.com), to honor Tommy’s love for community and youth sports. 

Friends are invited to visit with the family on the evening of November 7, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

www.cswfuneralhome.com