Tommy Ray Smith Jr., known affectionately to those who loved him as Bubba, began his journey on January li, 1972, in Montgomery County, Texas. Born to Tommy Ray Smith Sr. and Eunice Marie Collins Smith, he was the oldest of six children. He was raised by parents who deeply instilled in him a strong work ethic, deep spiritual beliefs, and an absolute dedication and love for his family. From a young age, he learned the value of labor, stepping up at just 10 years old to work alongside his father building houses. When his father’s health declined. Tommy naturally took the lead to support his family demonstrating the quiet, steady reliability that would characterize his entire life.
The foundational core of Bubba’s life took shape when he met his beloved wife, Cindy. Together, they made their home in Henderson, Tennessee, creating a life rooted in love, faith, and devotion. Bubba’s proudest achievement was becoming a father to their two boys, Joshua Blake and Travis Ivler. He poured his values of hard work and integrity into his sons, raising them with the same dedication he brought to every structural project he touched.
As a master craftsman Bubba, while working alongside his father-in-law expanded into structural steel fabrication and erection, and eventually starting his own company “Smith Welding”. Bubba left a permanent mark on the landscape of the Mid-South. The steel monuments and buildings he erected stand as a testament to his precision, pride, and skill.
While his hands built towering structures, his heart belonged to the great outdoors. Bubba was a true outdoorsman who found his greatest peace in nature. He possessed a deep passion for hunting, particularly duck hunting, and poured his dedication into raising champion Labrador retrievers.
He saw the beauty of the earth as something to be explored, a gift he cherished sharing through travels with his wife and sons. Whether he was setting sail on a cruise, taking in the familiar, peaceful mountains of Gatlinburg or exploring the vast, rugged wilderness of Alaska, he loved the adventure of seeing new place Closer to home, he found great joy in the simpler things, surrounding himself with the stories, movies. and music that he loved.
Bubba’s deep rooted beliefs guided his actions, and his commitment to his family was unwavering He was a devoted husband, a deeply proud father, a caring sibling, and a steadfast anchor for his loved ones during life’s storms. Bubba held the strong spiritual belief that even if he died he had the hope he vill live again. But until that time….. his memory emains a brilliant light-like a shooting star that burned brightly, leaving behind a lasting warmth in the hearts of evervone who knew him. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the family he adored and the enduring steel structures he built.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Bubba.