George Smith

George L. Smith, 84, of Texas City, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2011, in Texas City.

Funeral services will be held 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 20, at EmkenLinton Funeral Home. Friends may call from 6 7 p.m., prior to the service. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 21, at the Wheelock Cemetery in Flo, Texas.

George was born September 20, 1926 to Laura and Arch Smith, in Sand Lake Community. He was one of twelve children. George is a member of Stuart Memorial Methodist Church in Buffalo, Texas. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Texas City for many years before moving to Buffalo. George was a Mason for 52 years 32nd degree and was past member of the Texas City Masonic Lodge 1118 A.F. A.M. and present member of the Buffalo Masonic Lodge 554 A.F. A.M.. He served in the Army from 1945 to 1947 and was stationed the longest in Belgium at the 97th General Hospital where he served as a medical tech. He also worked at the PX and had German prisoners working under him, one of whom wrote him in later years.

George met his sweet wife in the 5th grade. Their biggest argument in the 64 years they were married, was which one sat down first in that classroom. He said he sat on the second seat and she came and sat in front of him. She said, she sat on the first seat and he came and sat behind her. Their marriage has always been like that, full of love, humor and most of all love for their family.

George worked for Texas City Refinery for 36 years, retiring in 1987. He raised his five children in Texas City and then upon retirement, moved back to the country. He lived in Buffalo for 16 years and then due to a lengthy illness, moved back to Texas City. Those 16 retirement years were fun and fulfilling. He raised cattle, fished, and never knew what day of the week it was except Sunday when he was in church. He and Ruby traveled to many places in the United States, camping out along the way.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 10 brothers and sisters, including his twin brother, Lestor Gene, who died at birth, and his soninlaw, Kenny Smith.

Survivors include his loving wife of 64 years, Ruby F. Smith daughters Paula Smith and Kitty Simpson Mike sons: Larry W. Smith, Johnny R. Smith Linda, and Kerry L. Smith Karol grandchildren: Jennifer Anderson, Jeff Smith, Amberlee Smith, Andrew Smith, Brian Smith, Josh Smith, Becky Smith, Misty Ward, Chad Smith, Eric Smith, Sara Hubertus, Katie Simpson, Zack Simpson, Korey Smith, and Lauren Smith 17 greatgrandchildren one surviving sister, Joy Williamson, and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

We would like to say thank you to Mary, Adela, Estella and Kathy for the great, loving care you gave. Thank you to Dr. Spangler and Donna and for the entire Hospice Care Team. Memorial may be made in Georges name to Shriners Hospital, The Alzheimers Association, or the hospice organization.

He wont be gone he will live in our hearts forever.