Dean C. Smith

Dean C. Smith of Midland went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 3, 2016. Dean was born on April 5, 1929 in Picher, Oklahoma to Charles F. and Nancy (Dodson) Smith. He graduated from Tulsa High School in 1947 and attended the University of Oklahoma on a football scholarship. Dean played in four Bowl games during his college years, as well as having been honored on the O.U. National Championship Team of 1950. On November 27, 1949, he married the love of his life and wife of 59 years, Raylene O'Donnell. They moved to Midland in 1952 where they raised their five children. He is preceded in death by his wife; their oldest son, Kelly Smith; his two brothers, Wayne and Jack; and by his parents. Dean began his career as a Drilling Fluids engineer in Midland and eventually owned and operated Drilling Surfactant, Inc. He also worked 10 years as a sales representative for Hilti International and set unprecedented sales records with the company in the West Texas area. In 1952, Dean and Raylene became members of the First Baptist Church where they raised their children and were actively involved in church activities. Dean was an usher, a Sunday school director, and a Gideon. He also worked in local prison ministry and volunteered at the Baptist Crisis Center. He enjoyed going to weekly Brotherhood meetings with his devoted friend Bill Marcum and spent much of his time in the companionship of longtime Christian friends. Besides football, Dean was an avid reader, thoroughly enjoyed working, and looked forward to riding his Moto Guzzi along the back roads of West Texas. Dean was a faithful witness for the Lord, faithful to his wife and children, and a faithful provider for his family in that order, while passing onto his children a good name. He will also be remembered for his optimism, sense of humor, life stories, and sharing Bible verses with others. Dean is survived by two daughters, Nancy Burney and her husband Joe of Cumming, Georgia and Sheri Brockett of Midland; two sons, Greg Smith and his wife Pam of Atlanta, Georgia and Kyle Smith and his wife Paige of Ft. Worth, Texas; and a nephew, Arthur Smith of San Antonio, Texas. His eight grandchildren include Jennifer McNeel, Rebecca Martin, Justin Smith, and Stephanie Glenn of Midland, Brandon Smith and Pollye Pope of Atlanta, and Lauren Smith and Lyncee Smith of Ft. Worth, as well as 15 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home in Midland. Funeral services have been scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Chapel in Midland. Private burial will be held at Resthaven Memorial Park. The family would like to thank his doctors, the nurses, and staff at Manor Park for their loving care, as well as the many prayers and visits from compassionate friends, all staff and caregivers of Cowden Cottage In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations be made to Gideons International, 602 N. Baird St, Midland, TX 79701, Manor Park, 2208 N Loop 250 W, Midland, TX 79707, First Baptist Church Mission Ministry, 2104 W Louisiana Ave, Midland, TX 79701, Hospice Midland, 911 West Texas, Midland, TX 79701 or Billy Graham Ministries, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28201. Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. You are invited to share an online condolence at www.npwelch.com.