Timothy Raymond Smith – Devoted father and pastor
Timothy Raymond Smith passed away September 12, 2022, during his morning exercise routine at the gym in Trenton, Missouri.
Tim was born on March 3, 1959, to Winifred and John Smith in Fort Riley, Kansas. He grew up on a farm in Indiana with his 3 siblings Terry, Tracy and Beth and spent his childhood years, enjoying outdoor adventures and playing any sport possible. He was a huge baseball fan and ended up going to Bethel College on a baseball scholarship. During his time at Bethel, he came to know the Lord and dedicated the rest of his life to His service. He pursued a master’s in theology at Dallas Theological Seminary where he met his Greek wife, Christina Zori.
Tim & Christina served on the mission field in Spain & Germany along with their three children, Lydia, Jeremiah & Stefania. Tim continued with his passion of sharing the Word and his gift of teaching, as a Theology Professor at Calvary Bible College in Missouri. These were some of his favorite years as he built lifelong friendships with his students and as you can imagine he was attending most of the sports games.
Tim spent his free time enjoying activities with his kids. He would travel every weekend with his son Jeremiah to his soccer games, and during Lydia’s Cross Country races he would be at every mark with the stopwatch reading off her time and cheering her on. Tim would enjoy Stefania’s theatrical pieces and musicals and proudly watched her graduate as valedictorian. Something we as his children will always remember are the daily morning devotionals before school and in the evenings before bed. Tim was a loving father and described his children as his main passion in life after Jesus.
The last 5 years, Tim served as pastor at First Christian Church of Trenton, where he dedicated his free time to serving the community and youth, now that his kids were grown up and living around the world (Tanzania, Ireland, and South Korea).
Tim’s favorite activities were playing basketball, soccer, and baseball with his kids. He was a total book nerd and would have up to 5 books on his nightstand (Christian or history related). He had read almost every book about Abraham Lincoln and was looking forward to spending his retired years visiting all the Civil War battle fields. He managed to convince his children to sneak in a few battlefield visits during their family road trips along with some Beach Boys, Carpenters, and Simon & Garfunkel tunes. He would often be found with his eyes closed in his recliner with the Bible in his lap and praying, but a few times those prayers would turn into a nap.
The last conversation with his children was filled with excitement for the first grandchild on the way and the family reunion planned for the Spring. As Tim would often remind his children, we can make all the plans we want, but our lives are in the Lord’s hands. As stated in one of his favorite verses, “The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God remains forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Tim spent his life sharing the word of God with others, because he knew that the truth of the gospel is what will remain. We will celebrate the beautiful years that were given to us before he left peacefully to be with the Lord for eternity.
He is survived by his children: Lydia (Ferhat) Smith-Turkmenoglu of Dublin, IRL; Jeremiah (Songeun Lee) of Paros,GR; Stefania Smith of Tanzania, AFR; sister Beth Griffey of Lakeville; Tracy Smith of Plymouth; Terry Smith of Phoenix, AZ; 1 grandson on the way Atlas; nieces Jessica George, Jillian Smith and nephew Joshua George.
Tim is preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 5-7 pm at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11 am at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Cramer officiating. Visitation will resume at 10 am.
Please click the link below to view the live-stream of the funeral service held on Thursday. September 22, 2022 at 11 am:
Burial will take place in the Morris-Polk Cemetery, Walkerton.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to AMG International in c/0 (TOM) Tanzania Orphans Mission in memory of Timothy Smith, 6815 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 or you may give online at www.amginternational.org/project/tanzania-orphans-mission.
Ricki and Joe Garrison says
My deepest condolences to all of Tim’s family and friends. Tim is in the best of care now with the Lord and his Dad and Mom. Fly high with the angels Tim. RIP
Josh B says
One of my heroes in the faith. “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Ronald Ssentamu says
If we live we, we live for the Lord and if we die, we die for the Lord, we die for the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die we belong to God. (Romans 14:8) May his soul rest in peace 🙏.
Lois S. says
He was our son’s favorite professor at Calvary, and someone he really looked up to. We are thankful for his life, and so sorry to hear of his death.
Bob and Nancy Holtzman says
Sorry for the loss of your Father grandfather, brother and Uncle. He will always live in your heart and the great memories will last forever. Sorry for your loss Tracy ,he will always walk beside you.
Mary Ann Sobieralski says
Prayers for you and the family. At home now in heaven with Jesus and your mom and dad…so many fun and funny memories with the Smith’s. Love & hugs, Mary Ann Sobieralski Lakeville, IN 1967-2000.
Frank and Cindy Vest says
To the Family of Tim, so sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the Family. LaVille 1977 class mates .
Frank and Cindy Vest
Lisa Knepp says
Thankful for the gift eternity. Praying for your family and friends during this overwhelming time.
Marla Mode Calhoun says
My deepest sympathies to all of Tim’s family and friends.
Beth, Tracy and Terry, I was so sad to hear about Tim’s passing. Even though it’s been years since we’ve been in contact, you are all special to me. I have great memories of our family visits. Tim was a fun guy back then and obviously remained so in his adult life. He will certainly be missed by all who knew him. But we can all take comfort that he is with his Lord and Savior.
Randy McGriff says
Tim was among a group of young men I was privileged to coach during their 8th grade and freshman basketball seasons. Tim was hard worker, a competitor and wanted to get better. He was also a great teammate. I am so sorry I haven’t seen him since that time but fortunately, we reconnected on Facebook about the time his mother passed. It was so good to catch up, relive a few stories and see what a happy man Tim was. A teacher and coach can ask for no more for our former students. I send my condolences. I pray all your wonderful memories of Tim will help guide you through this time. My thoughts and prayers are coming your way.
Michael Mode says
Have very fond childhood memories of time spent with Tim and the Smith family on the farm.
My sincere condolences to all the family.
Tammy McCoige Miller says
My prayers are with your family Tim. I know you are rejoicing in Heaven. Thank you for being such a wonderful high school friend. I am sorry I will not be in IN to pay my respects at your service.
Marty Calvin says
Condolences to the Smith family.
So sorry for your loss. Tim was a great classmate and friend. RIP Tim🙏
Annette Lovell Self says
To Tim’s family: I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Jo Wallman says
Christina and family,
Our hearts were touched by the news of Tim’s passing. We have some wonderful memories of your preaching the word in Freeman, SD. May God fill the void you have in your hearts right now and may your memories be a great reminder what Tim’s life was all about. Following the Lord and being a servant. God’s promise is you will meet again in that beautiful place where HE has prepared for HIS church.
Love and prayers,
Gary & Mary Jo Wallman