Thomas G Smith

Thomas G. Smith

Longtime attorney Thomas G. Smith practiced law and was involved in civic affairs and politics most of his adult life. He served as Purcell City Attorney, McClain County Attorney and as Administrative Assistant for Congressman John Jarman.

As a graduate of the University of Oklahoma, and the University of Oklahoma Law School, he was awarded Phi Beta Kappa as well as Order of the Coif. Tom became an avid Sooner fan, as well as a Dragon fan.

Smith came to Purcell from Santa Barbara, CA. Both of his parents were originally from this area. After his father had died, he returned with his mother, Dilce, and younger brother, Norman.

Having been a standout soccer player in California, Tom turned his interest to football when he moved to Oklahoma. He was over 6’1” and 135 pounds and with sprinters speed he became a breakaway threat running back from anywhere on the field.

By the time he was a junior, playing with other great talents such as Joe Al Cunningham and Vernon Turner, Purcell became a threat to win it all on Boney Matthews’ first PHS football team.

In a game against Comanche, he ran for 194 yards and three touchdowns. In the 1946 Class B State Semifinals against Poteau, he ran for 107 yards, including a 79-yard dash.

Tom played on both sides of the ball with great impact, as he was also a defensive back on the 1946 PHS Football Team that registered six shutouts over a seven-game period during the regular season. For his outstanding efforts on the football field, Tom was named to the 1940’s PHS All-Decade Team as a defensive back.

The real impact Tom, or as most knew him as ‘Big Tom’, was on the kids and people in the town. After graduating from law school, Tom came back to practice law in Purcell. He married a girl from Chickasha, Barbara Jean Smith, and they raised five children through the Purcell School system.

Tom genuinely cared about the people in the town, always willing to help those in need, and support his fellow Dragons.

He was an avid supporter of the PHS sports teams, even long after his own children graduated from Purcell High School. Big Tom was legendary for driving across the state to watch the Dragon Track teams compete in meets. He even received a plaque from PHS Head Track Coach Bob Haley and the entire Boys Track Team called the “Rubdown Award” for his participation and support.

Big Tom was an inspiration to many, and a friend to more. He loved young people and they loved his wit and sense of humor. He loved Purcell and made Purcell a better place to be.

“Big Tom” Smith really was a Dragon forever.