Daymon Ray Smith

Daymon Ray Smith, affectionately known by those who loved him as "Papa," passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, fast cars, and a deep, quiet devotion to his family.
Born on October 8, 1939, in Santa Anna, Texas, to Otho and Shirley Irene (Carpenter) Smith, Daymon grew up with a wrench in his hand and a spirit for adventure. On September 20, 1963, he married the love of his life, Florence Elizabeth (Beth) Winkler. Together, they built a life centered on family, raising their children Timothy and Margo, and lovingly welcoming their daughter Karen into the fold.
A Life of Passion and Hard Work
Daymon's work ethic was forged early in life while roofing houses alongside his father, Otho, and his uncle, Boyd. He later spent years on the road as a traveling salesman for American National Insurance and eventually followed his entrepreneurial spirit to open his own auto repair shop.
However, his true calling was found under the hood of a car. Daymon's most profound passion was mechanics and auto racing. For the Smith family, Saturday mornings had a distinct soundtrack: the roar of the "Number 28" car being tuned and tested, preparing for the thrill of the night's race.
A Natural Storyteller
When he wasn't at the track, Daymon found peace camping and fishing with his family. He was a gifted storyteller who could captivate a room with tales from his colorful life-whether it was the time he met Elvis Presley and worked on that iconic pink Cadillac, or the humorous (and perhaps harrowing) memory of his wife side-swiping a police car in his brand-new Impala.
Daymon was a man of few smiles, but when one did break through, it was said to light up the entire room. He lived by a simple but powerful philosophy that he passed down to his children: "I don't care what you do, all I care about is you doing it well."
Family Legacy
Daymon is preceded in death by his parents; his granddaughter, Tabitha Freeman; and his younger brothers, Roger and Gary Smith.
His memory will be cherished by his devoted wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Smith; his children, Timothy Smith, Margo Smith Crawford, and Karen Freeman; his grandchildren, Tasha Crawford-Calder and Kymberly Smith Travieso; and his "little buddy," great-grandson Jonathan Daymon Calder. He also leaves behind his sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Bob Carr; sister-in-law, Donna Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
A viewing will be held at Shaffer's Funeral Home at 1939 Sherwood Way in San Angelo Texas. Date TBD.