James Thompson "Tommy" Boone, age 79, of Smithfield passed away suddenly March 7 at his home. A Johnston County native and lifelong resident, he was born to James Joshua Boone and Ethel Thompson Boone on November 16, 1940 at their home on North Street in Smithfield.

He was raised in Smithfield along with his sister Rebecca (Baggett) d. and brother, William Thaddeus "Buck" Boone (Simpsonville, SC). Tommy graduated from Smithfield High School in 1959. He served in the National Guard alongside many of his best friends for several years. These friendships lasted a lifetime.

"Tommy," as he was always known by friends and family, was the life of the party. A friend stated recently that, Tommy was the most popular person in the tobacco market. He worked in the tobacco industry for 41 years including positions at K.R. Edwards of Smithfield and James I. Miller Tobacco of Wilson and retired as Vice President of Sales for Standard Commercial Tobacco (Alliance). His work took him to many states as well as countries like Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and Mexico.

Tommy was an avid fisherman, hunter, and gardener. His garden produced such bountiful harvest that he was known for sharing with friends, family, and neighbors. For many years, he also kept bees and shared the honey with everyone as well.

He was a kind father and devoted husband. He leaves behind a wife of 53 years, Camille Hampton Boone, daughter, Ina Boone Sytniak and husband, Jim, and son, Hunter Thompson Boone, and wife, Candi. Grandsons Grant Hampton Sytniak and Joshua Ted Boone and granddaughter Lyda Grace Boone, and several rescue animals!

Visitation will be at First Presbyterian Church of Smithfield on Thursday, March 12 from 6-8pm with a funeral service at the church on Friday, March 13 at 11am. The family asks that instead of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Building Fund.