Philip Marshall Smith

Philip Marshall Smith, 61, of Tulare, California unexpectedly went to be with the Lord in his sleep on November 18, 2024. He was born on August 10, 1963 to Sally Bryan and Dr. Brooks Smith. He was destined to one day fulfill his role as big (though not necessarily taller) brother to future siblings, Daniel and David; with whom he shared his affection for music and perhaps a few knuckle sandwiches or bar stool entrapments. After graduating from Davis Senior High School in 1981, he went on to study at Cal Poly, San Luis Obisbo. There he would join his brothers at the Theta Chi Fraternity and earn his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Philip eventually landed within the banking industry where he would meet his wife of 32 years, Toni Smith. She eventually fell for the boy with the brains and his dimpled smile. He was also immensely blessed to become dad to one little girl with bouncing blonde curls to whom he would bestow the nickname “Turbo” (Kelcee Nicklas). And her brunette big sister who solidified his love for their unit, after he passed on drinks with friends to teach her to read via the classic, Hop on Pop (Kourtnee Shawn). A few years later, another dimpled daughter would join the team (Dr. Kaytlin Smith), leaving him solidly outmatched by “his girls.” He would later earn his MBA at Cal State, Bakersfield while balancing the hats of student, employee, husband, and father (and of course his beloved tilly). Philip would spend his professional career challenging himself with complex number puzzles and seeking to give back to the community that helped him launch into his adult life. He was involved in multiple community organizations; such as Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Big Brothers-Big Sisters, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Tulare Rotary Club, and Tulare Public Utilities Commission. He would also serve the local hospital board and supported the relaunch of the Valley Voice. Philip may not have enjoyed having his portrait on the sides of buses, but he did love partnering with local community members, clients, and his colleagues. He was always heartened by the days when he could provide others with the access they needed to finance their dreams. Away from his professional career, Philip enjoyed nothing more than a good book and perhaps a bit of chocolate. His affection for Bravo Farms cheese and Rosa Brothers milk often led to many morning shopping runs. When he was not reading with his granddaughter Molly, or playing chess with his grandson Greyson; he could be found outside playing catch with the little boy that made him Pa, Zachary. Much to the relief of his daughters, Philip’s son in laws (Chadney and Brian) were always available for complex economic conversations and all of the dad jokes. He leaves behind a legacy of well loved novels, devotion to God and family, a few eyebrow raising cooking concoctions but most poignantly his quiet consistency and stability. As a gentle light house in a storm; he will be missed by many. The echoes of country music and “Return to Pooh Corner” will be dearly missed. A man with simple needs, incredible integrity, the courage to feel, and the strength to be present for those who needed him. As many have noted, he was “one of the good ones”. To some of us he was one of the greatest.