Thomas Eugene Smith

Thomas Eugene Smith, 75, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully at Prattville Baptist Hospital on Monday, July 24th, 2023. A graveside memorial service for Eugene will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, August 1st, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with family and friends eulogizing him. Family and friends will meet in the cemetery at the service time.

Eugene was a proud graduate of Luverne High School and later went to John Patterson Technical College to earn his license as a barber. He would eventually open his own shop in Montgomery, Alabama during a career that spanned five decades. Maybe it was the special course he took in Atlanta from a Hollywood hairstylist to the stars, but many of his loyal customers stayed with him for decades because no one could cut their hair like Eugene! He was a quiet man, but was always a friendly type guy who was able to put both his customers and friends at ease. He was also the rare soul who could actually enjoy his own company without the need for others to constantly entertain him. In his free time, Eugene was a huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide and also enjoyed the races in NASCAR on Sundays.

Perhaps, his love of NASCAR came out of his own adventurous spirit. In his younger days, Eugene loved few things more than riding his dirt bike, and often traveled around the country to participate in races. He also enjoyed deep sea fishing in Florida during that same time period, so he was always on the go when he was able. As the years went by, Eugene enjoyed spending more time tending to his yard or perfecting his skill in woodworking. In fact, he actually did a lot of work in his own home. He enjoyed the peace and quiet of his home, though he had beloved canine companions over the years who helped make his house a home. He especially loved his favorite over the years, Charmin, and even took in a rescue cat who made sure to meet him at the road everyday when he came home. Above all, Eugene was a devoted son, brother, and uncle who truly cherished his family. He helped take care of his parents in their later years, and there was a rarely a week that went by that his sisters didn't receive a phone call from him to check in on their lives. In fact, one of his favorite roles in life was as uncle to their children and grandchildren. He especially doted on the littlest ones as they were always the most entertaining! He was such a special soul and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew and loved him, but they will continue to treasure the precious memories they made together.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Eugene & Annie Bell Cornett Smith, and brothers-in-law, Arturo Muzzio and Robert Hatfield. He is survived by his sisters, Ann (Bobby) Gaines, Phyllis Muzzio, and Judy Hatfield; stepsons, Justin Harrison and Seth Harrison; six nieces and nephews; and 5 great-nieces and great-nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Luverne Emmaus Cemetery Fund, c/o Jim Williams, P.O. Box 701, Luverne, Alabama 36049.