Jerome Leslie Smithwick

SAN ANGELO Our Papa, father, husband and friend, Jerome Leslie Smithwick, 68, soared from this life to his heavenly home on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2011. Jerome was born in Miles, Texas, on July 15, 1943, to Lucille and W.C. Smithwick. He graduated from Miles High School in 1961, where he was involved in all sports, 4-H and FFA activities, showing sheep all over the state and livestock judging. In furthering his education, he attended Texas A&M University, San Angelo College where he played baseball and competed in livestock judging and finally graduated from Texas Tech University in 1966, with a bachelor's of science in agriculture education. On Dec. 27, 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Billie Doris Schneider. They moved to Smyer, Texas, where Jerome taught vocational agriculture at Smyer High School. In September 1967, Jerome and Billie returned to San Angelo where Jerome began working with his father-in-law, Bill Schneider, at Schneider Distributing Company. Jerome always made time for his children, Kyle and Lori. Over the years, he attended numerous sporting events and countless livestock show events. He cherished the stock showing years, not only with his own children, but with all of the friends he made along the way. He was so looking forward to watching his grandchildren show sheep and being right in the middle of the sheep barn again. In January 1989, Jerome became a member of the board of directors at Citizen's State Bank and in August 2005, he became the chairman of the board. Jerome took great pride in this role where he enjoyed watching the bank grow and considered all the employees his extended family. Jerome had a passion for life. He loved to have a good time and he lived everyday to the fullest. He also truly enjoyed the companionship of his buddies. He enjoyed numerous hunting and fishing trips from Saskatchewan, Canada, to Shafter, Texas. In the past few years, his greatest delight was catching a mess of catfish, cleaning them to perfection, cooking them to perfection and if you were lucky enough...he would share it with you. Jerome also loved the land...he loved livestock and he loved to farm. He loved to sit and watch a good, soaking rain, the wheat sprouting and pushing up through the earth, the cry of a newborn baby lamb...he loved creation and he loved The Creator. In November 2003, Jerome began his most beloved role...he became a grandfather. It surprised this tough-skinned man how much he loved being called "Papa"...he loved his three grandchildren dearly. Jerome's character can best be described in the word's of his 8-year old granddaughter, Regan, "He was rough and tough on the outside but he was a big, ole' teddy bear on the inside...and I loved him." Jerome was preceded in death by his father, W.C. Smithwick; his mother, Lucille Curry Smithwick; his beloved "Uncle Les", Leslie Smithwick; and his beloved in-laws, Bill and Jake Schneider. He is survived by his wife, Billie Doris Smithwick of San Angelo; his daughter, Lori Smitwick of San Angelo; his son, Kyle Smithwick and wife Julie of Miles; his beautiful granddaughter Regan; his two little coons...grandsons Dawson Kyle and Curry Wayne; his very special aunt, Ruby Smithwick of Miles; his extended family of Schneider Distributing Company, Citizens State Bank and countless hunting, fishing and stock show buddies. He will be deeply missed, but our memories...and our stories...will always be with us. Family visitation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, at Johnson's Funeral Home. Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd in San Angelo with Father Stan Burdock officiating. Graveside will follow in the Miles Cemetery. At 5 p.m. we invite family and friends for good food and a time of gathering, sharing and fellowship in the remembrance and celebration of Jerome's life at the 4-H building on Hwy 67 in San Angelo. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the charity of your choice. Family and friends may sign an online questbook at johnsons-funeralhome.com.