Huston I. Smith

Huston Ivory Smith of Milton, Florida, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born in Escambia County, Alabama, on January 30, 1938, to Lonnie and Nancy Smith. He graduated from Jay High School in 1956 and shortly thereafter married the love of his life, Virginia Lynn Bauldree, also of Jay. Huston was employed with Monsanto Chemical Plant in Pensacola where he worked in the Intermediates department, until he retired at the age of 55. Following retirement, Virginia and Huston left Jay and moved to the Tanglewood Golf Community in Milton in 1999.
Huston is preceded in death by his wife, Virgina, who passed away this past July. Huston was the youngest of twelve children and is survived by one brother, Elbert Smith, of Houston, Texas.
Huston had two children:
Mark (Cheri Salter) Smith of Memphis, TN, and Kent (Annette Davis) of Pace, FL.
Huston (Pop) had seven grandchildren:
Josh (Karlye)Smith, Audra (Brandon) Shepherd, Emily Anne (Ben Tansey), Jarett Smith, Vance (Maegan) Smith, Bryce (Marina) Smith, and Anna-Grace Smith
Huston had 10 great grandchildren: Ella, Laurel and Margaret Shepherd; Rett, Charlotte, and Harris Tansey; Madelyn and Houston Smith; Harper-Kate and Ryder Smith
Huston was an incredible husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather. Huston was commonly called Pop by his sons whenever they were young boys and needed something (like cash), so it was only fitting to continue with the title of Pop when the grandchildren began arriving! He married Virgina on January 18, 1957, and they raised their two sons together, Mark and Kent. Huston displayed his love and compassion for Virginia as he cared and nurtured her until her passing. When Gee Gee was no longer able to perform household chores, Huston quickly stepped up and learned to cook, do laundry, go grocery shopping, and even tried to help make one of Gee Gee's well-known sour cream pound cakes. Huston, thinking all was going quite well, was quickly scolded by Virginia, as she pointed out, "Huston, you have added corn meal instead of flour!" He and Gee Gee laughed about it later and decided that was the end of Pop's cake baking!
Huston was an avid bowler, bowling three 300 perfect games. Remarkably, Huston was the first bowler inducted into the Pensacola Bowling Hall of Fame. Later, he became an outstanding golfer where he accomplished 15 holes in one. When Mark and Kent were younger, Huston coached them in Little League baseball. He and Virginia never missed any of the boys' sporting events. As the grandchildren came into the picture, one could spot Pop and Gee Gee's attending their many activities as well. When Kent began his coaching career, Pop and Gee Gee seldom missed attending any of his games. They sat in the stands for many years until Gee Gee was unable to climb up the bleachers. They decided it would be easier to sit in their lawn chairs in the End Zone and to watch the game from there. Pop claimed it was to help Gee Gee; however, many believed it was so he could be closer to the referees, just in case he needed to have a pre and/or post discussion with them about their behavior on the field! The last sporting event Pop attended was a football game a few weeks ago. Mark and Cheri helped him travel to the game so he could watch and support Vance's Pace Patriots.
No one could dispute Huston's passion for the Auburn Tigers. He enjoyed making his famous cheese dip and welcomed anyone to join him as they cheered on the team each Saturday (as long as they were Auburn fans!). Huston and Virginia would give each other a kiss every time Auburn scored. When Virginia was no longer able to get out of her chair easily, Huston would go over to her and give her a big kiss!
Huston always enjoyed Christmas with his family. He would get so excited when someone gave him a present. It didn't matter what the gift was he was just tickled to shake the box or to touch the bag as he tried to guess what was inside. He and Gee Gee were delighted to give gifts to the family. Pop enjoyed playing Santa and handing out the traditional bank envelopes to all the children and grandchildren, as anticipation bubbled around the living room.
With Mark and Kent standing by his bed Sunday morning, Pop stepped into Glory-- where the radiance of Jesus's sweet peace surrounded him, making him whole. We are grateful for the legacy he left behind. Rest in the arms of our Lord. We will miss you, our dear, precious Pop!
Pallbearers are Josh Smith, Jarett Smith, Vance Smith, Bryce Smith, Rusty Bauldree, Ricky Bauldree, and Gary May.
Burial will follow in Jay Cemetery.
"A righteous person who walks in integrity-blessed are his children after him." Proverbs 20:7