Thomas "Tommy" Richard Smith-Vaniz

Thomas Richard Smith-Vaniz, of Canton, MS, passed away unexpectedly on December 6,2022 at the age of 70. He was a devoted husband to the love of his life and soulmate as well as a loving father who knew and instilled the importance of hard work, family & doing what is right. He was a very talented artist, avid photographer; loved to travel and was always up to any adventure life had to offer. He had a passion and eye for the beauty in all things, never missed a chance to stop and smell the roses, take the scenic route and one of his proudest achievements was taking his family through the entire lower 48 States of America.

Tommy is preceded in death by his mother Lucille Ledbetter Smith-Vaniz, Father, Joseph Watson Smith-Vaniz and Brother, Sam Palmer Smith-Vaniz . He is survived by his wife of 39 years Teresa Mcgee Smith-Vaniz, Son, Evan Smith-Vaniz, Daughter, Lauren Smith-Vaniz Pezold, her husband, Matthew and their two children who Tommy loved and adored, Gabriel Joseph and Salem Nesta. Tommy is also survived by his Brother, Larry Smith-Vaniz (Jan), Sister, JoAnn Smith-Vaniz Phillips (Gene), sister-in-law Bridget Smith-Vaniz and an abundance of nieces, nephews and the best friends a man could have.

A stranger to no one, a brother to many who will be sorely missed and forever remembered.

Visitation for Tommy will be held Thursday December 15 at Breeland Funeral Home from 5:00 – 7:00 PM and Friday December 16 at 10:00 AM with a funeral service following. Interment is in the Canton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made to the JMS Burn Center in Augusta, GA or to the Children's Hospital.

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