Thomas "Cookie" A. Smith

In Loving Memory of Thomas “Cookie” Smith

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” — 2 Timothy 4:7-8

With hearts full of gratitude for a life so beautifully lived, we celebrate the life of Thomas “Cookie” Smith, whose greatest desire was to love God, love people, and make everyone around him smile. While our hearts grieve his passing on July 17, 2026, we rejoice knowing he has heard the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” and has entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Cookie was born on July 27, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to Sam Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Theresa Hebert Smith. Baton Rouge was the city he proudly called home throughout his life, where he built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, music & laughter.

At Glen Oaks High School, he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Elizabeth Ann Knight. Their love story became a beautiful testimony of faithfulness and devotion, spanning 63 wonderful years of marriage. Together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering commitment to one another.

He was a devoted husband, a loving father to Tammy Smith Fabre McDonald (Ray), an adoring grandfather to Nathaniel Thomas Fabre and Landon Allen Fabre (Sabrina). His grandsons were truly his pride & joy and treasures for life. His family was his greatest accomplishments and there was never a ballgame, school event, graduation, or milestone he ever missed. Nothing made him prouder than watching the young men they became, and his face would light up whenever he talked about them. Becoming a great-grandfather brought him even greater joy as he welcomed Jaxon Lane Fabre and Archie Reid Fabre.

He is also survived by his brother, Eddie Smith (Karla); his sister-in-law, Pat Maples (Richard); many beloved nieces and nephews; and countless lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Sam Smith, Jr. (Kathie).

One of Cookie’s greatest passions in life was music. From the time he was a young man, he loved entertaining and had a gift for making people smile. In high school, he was voted “Most Talented” by his classmates at Glen Oaks High School, and that talent continued throughout his life.

As the lead vocalist for The Inn Crowd, Cookie helped create a sound that made the band one of Louisiana’s favorites. In 2010, The Inn Crowd was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, a fitting honor for a group that many affectionately called America’s answer to The Beatles. Throughout the years, they shared the stage with legendary performers including Herman and the Hermits, Blues Magoos, and The Who, and recorded several 45 RPM records produced by SJ and Mickey Montalbano on the Montel-Michelle label, leaving behind a musical legacy that continues to be celebrated.

But for Cookie, music was never about fame. It was about bringing joy to people. He loved singing good old rock ‘n’ roll, Gospel music, Elvis classics, Van Broussard favorites, and the timeless songs of Fats Domino. Whether he was on a stage before hundreds or singing in a room filled with family and friends, he had a way of making everyone smile, clap along, sing with him, or get up and dance.

He wasn’t just the entertainer—he was the party. Cookie loved to dance, loved to laugh, and loved seeing others enjoy themselves. His joyful spirit was contagious, and no gathering was complete until Cookie had everyone smiling.

His love for people extended far beyond music. He was genuinely one of the kindest men you could ever meet. Gentle in spirit, humble in heart, trustworthy, honest, and always friendly, Cookie never met a stranger. He never raised his voice, never sought attention for himself, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word. Whenever someone asked him how he was doing, his answer never changed: “Above the ground and blessed by the Best!” That simple phrase perfectly captured the way he lived—with gratitude, optimism, unwavering faith, and a heart full of joy.

An avid bass fisherman, Cookie found some of his greatest joy on the water with a fishing rod in his hand. He treasured the countless hours spent fishing alongside his father, his father-in-law, his brother-in-law and grandsons, always hoping to catch “the Big One.” More than the fish themselves, he loved passing that passion on to his grandsons, creating treasured memories and a lifelong love of bass fishing that will continue for generations.

Cookie’s greatest performance, however, wasn’t on a stage—it was the way he lived his life.

A faithful member of Healing Place Church in Baton Rouge, Cookie found great joy serving on the Greeters Team. Sunday after Sunday, he stood at the doors with his signature smile. Cookie believed no one should ever walk into church feeling alone. Whether it was with a warm hug, a heartfelt handshake, or his famous Donald Duck greeting that delighted children of all ages, he had a God-given gift for making every person feel like they belonged. To Cookie, no one was a stranger—only a friend he hadn’t met yet.

Although he never attended college, Cookie proved that character, determination, and a strong work ethic could accomplish extraordinary things. Beginning at the ground level with several construction companies, he steadily worked his way up through dedication and integrity before retiring from Turner Industries as a Quality Control Inspector. He earned the respect of everyone who worked alongside him, not only because of what he knew, but because of the man he was.

More than anything, Cookie loved the Lord, cherished his family, treasured his friends, and found joy in making others happy. His legacy will not be measured by awards or accomplishments, but by the countless smiles he created, the hugs he freely gave, the songs he sang, the laughter he inspired, and the love he poured into every life he touched.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Cookie’s remarkable life at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs. Visitation will be on Friday, July 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. until a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. Interment at Evergreen Cemetery behind Seale Funeral Home.

Honorary Pallbearers: Eddie Smith, Richard Albert Maples, Earl Ray McDonald, Jr., Harold Allen Fabre, Jr., Jaxon Lane Fabre and Archie Reid Fabre.

Spiritual Pallbearer: Sam Smith, Jr.

Pallbearers: Nathaniel Thomas Fabre, Landon Allen Fabre, Thomas Wayne Berthelot, Jr., Ian Edward Smith, Alex Michael Smith, and Jonah Cameron Smith.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary “Angels” at Golden Age Healthcare & Rehabilitation and Life Source Hospice. Thank you for the compassion, dignity, kindness, and love you so freely gave to our beloved Cookie. You were far more than caregivers—you became family. Knowing he was surrounded by people who loved him brought comfort to all of us, and your kindness will never be forgotten.

“His life was the melody. His love was the harmony. His faith was the chorus. The song lives on.”