Loyle Thomas “Tom” Smith, Jr., 67, of Buckhannon, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown.
Tom was born in Buckhannon on April 13, 1959, a son of the late Shirley Loretta Clark Hershman and Loyle T. Smith, Sr. He was greeted at Heaven’s Gate by his parents and stepfather, Gary Hershman; nephew, Zach Lewis; father-in-law, Reverend Lester Boylen; brother-in-law, Les A. Boylen; and sister-in-law, Darlene Boylen.
He was a man of great spirit and enthusiasm, whose zest for life was contagious and brought joy to all those around him. A man of integrity, humor, and devotion, Tom was a beacon of light and laughter to the people in his life.
Forever cherishing their memories of Tom are his wife of nearly 43 years, Janet Smith of Buckhannon; two children: Beth Clinton and husband, Chris, of Ashland, KY, and T.J. Smith of Buckhannon; two grandchildren: Presley Elizabeth Smith and Trenton Charles Smith; mother of the grandchildren, Ashley Smith of Buckhannon; four sisters: Vicki Hammel and husband, William, of Bristol, TN, Diane Hatfield and husband, Bill, of FL, Kay Snyder and husband, Steve, of Rock Cave, and Beverly Lewis and husband, Tim, of Buckhannon; mother-in-law, Nancy Boylen of Buckhannon; two sisters-in-law: Brenda Hull and husband, Brent, and Kathy Boylen, both of Buckhannon; and several nieces and nephews.
A 1977 graduate of Buckhannon-Upshur High School, Tom was an accomplished man of many talents. He was a hardworking man who always aimed for perfection in everything he did. He spent his career working on oil and gas rigs and was most recently employed by High Point Construction as a heavy equipment hauler.
Aside from his professional achievements, Tom had a passion for building and racing motorcycles and cars. He was the proud crew chief, mentor, and mechanic to Hull’s #21 Race Team. His love for Harley-Davidsons was only surpassed by the love he had for his family, who were always his number one priority.
Tom was a man who lived his life to the fullest. His playful spirit and love for joking around were a source of endless amusement to those around him. He was a proud Christian, and his faith was a cornerstone of his life. Above all, Tom cherished his role as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. The love he held for his grandchildren was immeasurable, and they were the light of his life.
Tom’s request for cremation has been honored. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, located at 21 Elnora Circle in Buckhannon. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jerry Murrell officiating.
We, at Clutter Funeral and Cremation, are honored and privileged to serve the family of Loyle Thomas Smith, Jr. Online condolences may be expressed at www.ClutterFuneralHome.com.
