“Tommy was a dedicated corporate Partner in our Jacksonville office who excelled in his M&A practice,” said Stephen Forte, Smith Gambrell’s chairman and managing partner. “He was a great friend to many of us, and we will cherish the memories of his annual Christmas parties and the good cheer he brought to everyone at SGR. He will certainly be missed.”

Tommy joined Smith Gambrell in 2013 and was a valued member of the firm with extensive experience in corporate acquisitions and mergers, private equity, insurance and reinsurance law, and banking. He also provided guidance to officers and directors of distressed financial institutions and possessed substantial expertise in insurance regulation. He was a member of the American Bar Association, the Florida Bar, the International Bar Association, and the Jacksonville Bar Association. He received an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell® for more than thirty consecutive years.

In addition to his legal practice, Tommy served as Chairman of the Advisory Board of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, as a Director of the University of Florida Foundation, and as a member of the Presidents Council for the University of Florida. He also served as an officer and director of numerous corporations, including President of the MetLife Security Insurance Companies, Managing Director of Charter International Reinsurance Company BV, and Vice Chairman of the Board and General Counsel of insurance conglomerate Consolidated International Group.

He earned his B.A. degree with honors from the University of Florida in 1975 and his J.D. from the University of New Hampshire School of Law in 1978.

Tommy leaves behind a lasting legacy and will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of working with him. Information regarding funeral arrangements can be found here.