Funeral services for Harold Smith, 96, of Tyler are scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2016 in the chapel Jackson's Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home with Rev. Bob Waldman and Dr. Allison Andrews Thompson officiating. Burial will be in Bascom Cemetery.
Harold was born February 14, 1920 in the Bascom Community to the late Lemuel and Stella Smith and passed away in Tyler on Thursday April 7. He was the oldest living member of Bascom United Methodist Church of which his great-grandfather Rev. Caleb Smith founded in 1857. He was a teacher, Elementary Principal and Assistant Superintendent in Chapel Hill ISD for 32 years. He also served in the 8th Army Air Corps as a gunner on the B17 “Flying Fortress” for 3 ½ years.
Harold was preceded in death by his brothers George and Odis Smith and sister Mildred Gimble.
Survivors include his wife Frances married 63 years of Tyler, two sons and daughter-in-law Steve Smith and Karen of Garland, and Craig Smith and close friend, Melissa Bryant of Tyler. Also 2 grandchildren, Drew Smith and his wife, Abbey of Lindale, and Alyssa Smith of San Marcos. Other survivors include 2 step-grand-daughters Jennifer and Jesse Peck and step great-grandchildren Landyn and Andy, and Christina and Rick Bailey and three step great-grand-daughters, Haleigh, Hannah and Shelby Bailey all of Whitehouse.
Pallbearers include: John Davenport, Cliff Smith, Andy Smith, Troy Cagle, Paul Hancock, and Dewayne Bethea. Honorary pallbearers will be members of Bascom United Methodist Church.
Harold had a great sense of humor. He was the forever optimist and loved the outdoors. His favorite things were working in his yard, camping and gardening. He was known for his passion and love for children and teaching in Chapel Hill and he will be greatly missed.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2016 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Bascom United Methodist Church 12055 Fm 848, Tyler, Tx 75707 and Heart to Heart Hospice 7925 South Broadway Suite 1140, Tyler, Tx 75703.
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