Chalmer & Norma Lee "Smokey" Wren

Chalmer "Smokey" Wren, Jr., born November 7, 1938, passed peacefully on the evening of Christmas Eve. Just hours later, he was followed by his beloved sweetheart of 29 years, Norma Lee Wren, born November 13, 1931-a final testament to the deep bond they shared.
Smokey proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 to 1973 before beginning a career in software development for the U.S. government. With his first wife, Kathy Wren, he raised two children and treasured family time spent camping, listening to music, and visiting relatives.
Norma was a florist, avid gardener, and devoted church member who found joy in caring for both plants and people. Widowed and retired, Smokey and Norma met and married in 1996 and made their home on Chalmer's family's fourth-generation cotton farm in Stanton, Texas.
Known for his stubborn streak and unfiltered honesty, Smokey always spoke his mind. His words were never sugar-coated, but his actions were always loving, and together he and Norma would do anything for anyone in need.
In retirement, Smokey-a lifelong Ford truck enthusiast and history buff-spent countless hours online answering truck and towing questions, often quoting, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana
In 2019, they moved to Tennessee to be closer to Smokey's daughter, Renee, and spent their final years at River Oaks Place. Caregivers there will remember Smokey speeding through the halls in his electric wheelchair, bumping into corners and tables-"Watch out, Smokey's coming!"-and delivering his trademark no-nonsense remarks. Through it all, Smokey and Norma could almost always be found holding hands, right up until the very end.
A private memorial casting ceremony will be held on January 6.
Smokey is survived by his daughter, Renee Wren-Lerner (Steven), and her children, Dillon and Abbey; and his son, Chalmer "Trey" Wren III (Jude), and his son, Chalmer Wren IV. Norma is survived by her daughter, Loretta Ann Molesworth (CJ); her granddaughters, Kristy Smith (Jason) and Nikki Whitehurst; and several great-grandchildren.
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