Dillon Francis Smith

Dillon Francis Smith, age 89 passed away September 15, 2024. He was born on May 14, 1935 in Denton, Texas. He married Earla Joyce Smith June 3, 1955. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Business from University of North Texas in 1957. He worked at Vought Aircraft for 37 years before his retirement in 1994. After his retirement, he volunteered at Webb Elementary School helping children with reading at their grade level, and in 1996 he volunteered at Vought Aircraft Heritage Foundation where he and a group of retirees refurbished airplanes to place in various museums. He loved to travel, play golf and watch the Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dillon Smith and lone Smith and son, Larry Wayne Smith. Those left to cherish his memory: Wife, Earla Joyce Smith; Daughter, Lisa Clark; Granddaughter, Ryann Vanoven and husband, Chad Vanoven; Grandsons, Shelby Clark and Casey Clark; great grandchildren, Paxton Vanoven and Annabelle Vanoven; one brother, John Smith and wife, Dorothy Smith; Bonus great-grandchildren, Triniti Vanoven and Xander Vanoven; and many nieces and nephews.

His Celebration of Life will be held at Wade Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. A visitation will be held immediately before at 10:00 a.m. He will be buried in Moore Memorial Gardens. He was a Christian who loved his family and the Lord.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hearts and Hands, 1601 North Davis, Arlington, Texas 76012, or Vought Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 532794, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-2794.