Lee Roy Smith

LUBBOCK- Lee Roy Smith, 99 passed away Saturday, February 16, 2013, six days before his 100th birthday. Born February 22, 1913, in McKinney, Texas, to Claude and Laura Odil Smith. He moved with his family from Farmersville, Tx. to Lubbock, November 1, 1925. Lee attended Lubbock public schools and graduated from Lubbock High School in 1931, as a member of the first class to graduate from the newly completed building on 19th Street. During the depression he drove taxis and Lubbock City Bus and was awarded a citation of honor for avoiding a young child that had run into the street. He began working at the Lindsey Theater in the 30’s and served there in many capacities for several years. He worked in paint contracting with Ed Merritt, paint and corrosion control for the Air Force Academy at Lowery AFB, Colorado; three stints beginning during WWII, spanning 20 plus years at Reese AFB with the final years as supervisor of the Paint and Corrosion Control Facility retiring in 1974. After retirement from civil service he worked as a self-employed paint contractor for 10 years. Lee married Tessie Ardell Johnston on October 19, 1946, in Lubbock and she preceded him in death on March 14, 1998, having been married for 51 years. He married Laurene Rogers in Greenville, Texas, in September of 1998. She preceded him in death in July of 2003. He was preceded in death by a sister Lorene, in 1938, a son Robert Claude (Bob) Smith in 2004 and a stepdaughter Betty Sutterfield in 2012. Lee lived in Lubbock; Aurora, CO.; Dublin, TX; Littlefield and Greenville, TX over the span of his 99 plus years, always looking for a good fishing spot. Lee was active in the various Baptist churches in the cities he claimed home and was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Lubbock. He was a 50 plus year member of the Knights of Pythias, having served in many official capacities for the Lubbock, Dublin and Greenville chapters. At one time, he served on the Board of Director’s of the Pythian Retirement Home in Greenville., Tx. He served as a delegate to the State Democratic Convention in the 1940’s. He is survived by two sons, James Lee (Jim) Smith and wife Donna of Lubbock, H. Gene Smith and wife Sharon of Midland, stepdaughter, Brenda Gossett and husband Dale, of Greenville, Tx. and a stepson Bobby Rogers of Tyler. Five grandchildren Warner Smith and wife Roxana, Leanna Sullivan and husband Bill, Laura Perenyi and husband Mitch, Nathan Smith, and Kelly Salinas and husband James; and five great grandchildren. He loved his family and spent endless hours traveling and researching his heritage. His bright spirit and optimistic outlook was an inspiration to his family and friends. A special appreciation to the staff and residents of Lubbock Manor Retirement (formerly Cornerstone Court), Lubbock Golden Bridge, Bee Hive Assisted Living, Hospice of Lubbock and Accolade Care and Hospice. The family will receive friends from 6pm – 8pm today at Sanders Funeral Home. A graveside service will be 11:00 am at the City of Lubbock Cemetery followed by a 1:00 pm memorial service at Second Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Pythian Home for Children, 1825 Bankhead, Weatherford, Texas 76086. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street.

Lee Roy Smith

February 22, 1913 - February 16, 2013