Todd Emile Tinker, owner and operator of “Smokey Sweet BBQ” died Thursday, May 18, 2023. He was 51 years old.
Born March 31, 1972 in Great Barrington, he was the son of Barbara Tisdel Tinker and the late Preston L. Tinker Jr. He graduated from Monument Mountain Regional High School in the class of 1990 and University of Massachusetts in the class of 1995.
Todd was a very outgoing and loving person with a big heart and vibrant personality and love for all his friends and relatives. He was very passionate about cooking and his business, “Smokey Sweet BBQ,” as well as being the head coach of the football team. He loved all sports with The Patriots being his favorite team. He loved music and enjoyed playing the guitar. He could hear a song and play it on a piano. His mind was mathematical and he had an incredible ability to organize an event, a budget, and a crew of people. He was incredibly intelligent and mindful. His biggest passions were being with his friends and enjoying life while trying to make theirs better with his humor and personality.
Todd lived a very proud life with many accomplishments. He received a full athletic scholarship from the University of Massachusetts for football after his hard work on the field in his freshman year. He is in the Western Mass Hall of Fame for high school football, wrestling, and track and field. He is also in the Monument Mountain Regional High School Hall of Fame.
His biggest accomplishment was his two daughters, Shelby and Madison. He loved to talk about them and how much they have already accomplished in their short lives.
Todd would help anyone in need. Whether cooking for a fundraiser or volunteering, he was always putting others first. Todd had a huge heart. He was a fun outgoing person who was loved by many. With an always positive spin on life, the world, local community, and friends and family have suffered a huge loss.
Along with his mother, Barbara Tisdel Tinker, Todd is survived by his two daughters, Madison and Shelby Tinker, and their mother, Sandy Palmer Tinker. He also leaves his brother, Preston L. Tinker III (and wife Lola); his sister, Stacey Kay (and husband Josh); his aunts and uncles, Sarah and Donald Schneider, Phyllis and Douglas Weaver, and Robert Spurr; his nephews, Zach and Dylan Tinker; his nieces, Jennifer and Olivia Kay; and his partner Honor Harvey.
He was predeceased by his father, Preston L. Tinker Jr., and his aunt, Ann Spurr.
The family of Todd E. Tinker will receive friends on Friday, May 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home in Great Barrington. A service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 27 at 10 a.m. at Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home. The family will also receive friends following the service until 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Spartan Football Booster Club through Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to his family please go to the funeral home’s website.
