Tommy E. Smith, Jr.

Tommy E. Smith, Jr. died Aug. 8, 2024.

Smith was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and grew up in Oakland, California. He began working at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in 1979. After winning the Laboratory’s Undergraduate Technical Scholarship, he earned a bachelor of science degree in engineering from San Francisco State University. His engineering work included LLNL’s Strategic Defense Initiative programs, during which he received a patent on a Real-Time Electron Energy Spectrometer (U.S. patent No. 5,017,779). He also holds a California Professional Engineer registration. In 1994, he began leading LLNL’s diversity and affirmative action programs. He was also an ordained minister and the pastor of Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward, California. He was the author of the book “In Spirit and in Truth; Rediscovering the Message of Jesus.”

A celebration of live services will be held Wednesday, Aug. 21. Internment will be at Line Tree Cemetery, 24591 Fairview Ave., Hayward, CA 94544 from 10-10:30 a.m. A memorial service will be at Palma Ceia Baptist Church, 28605 Ruus Road, Hayward, CA 94545, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The dove release will be from 1:15-1:30 p.m; repast will be held at Bennett Hall at 1:30 p.m.