Carl Gene Smith

Carl G. Smith
Carl was born to parents Edgar Smith and Myrtle Shelton on June 19, 1941 in Baird, TX and was the youngest of two boys. He, his mother, and brother lived in numerous places before settling in Dallas. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School until his junior year before dropping out to join the Army. In the Army, he trained in artillery before becoming a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He was honorably discharged from the Army in June of 1962. After his time in the service, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Vonna Cowley, whom he had known since the age of 11. They were married on July 2, 1963. A few years later, the couple was blessed with two children, Scott and Stacie. He was quick to volunteer as a coach to his kids sports teams, YMCA activities, and was heavily involved with the family church, Lake Highlands Baptist.
Carl began his professional career after the Army, as a carpenter and then as a draftsman. He took a job at Crown Zellerbach in 1967 and remained there until the plant closed in 2004. After retiring from CZ, he worked for the City of Garland Parks Department from 2004 to 2011 before finally deciding to permanently retire. His wife, Vonna, passed away on June 27, 2018 after 55 years of marriage. He was a member in good standing of the Roy Stanley Masonic Lodge and the Dallas Scottish Rite. He enjoyed spending his leisure time at the beach in Galveston with his family and friends. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, a diehard Texas Aggie fan, and a doting grandfather to Peyton and Cameron, and great-grandfather to Colton and Cohen. He remained devoted to his family until his final days. He passed away at the age of 83 on December 5, 2024 surrounded by his family. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Carl is preceded in death by his wife, Vonna Smith; his father, Edger Smith; his mother, Myrtle Fowler; and brother, Charles Smith. He is survived by his children, Scott Smith and Stacie Parker; his daughter-in-law, Sammie Smith; two grand children, Peyton Smith and Cameron Parker; and two great grandchildren, Colton and Cohen Parker.
A funeral service to honor Carl will be held at 10:00 am., Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at Jeter & Son Funeral Home, Dallas, Texas. A graveside service will be held at Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery immediately following the funeral.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Folds of Honor.