Samuel B. Smart Jr.

Fort Worth - Samuel B. Smart Jr. passed away in Fort Worth on Thursday, July 13, 2017, at the age of 90.

Sam was born in Norphlet, Arkansas and was the only child of Samuel B. and Mary Dell Smart. Sam's dad worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company and the family moved frequently before settling for several years in Louisiana, where Sam graduated from Crowley High School. He studied mechanical engineering at Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette) where he was also on the football team. An outstanding athlete, Sam was also an accomplished baseball and softball player. His university years were interrupted by service in the Army Air Corps toward the end of World War II.

Upon graduation, Sam began his professional career as a petroleum engineer for Humble Oil and Refining Company, which later became Exxon. After a year working near Bellville, he was transferred to Tomball where he met the love of his life, Geraldine Canon Smart (Jerry). They were married for 65 years, living in the Houston area for many years and later in life moved to Corpus Christi and then Fort Worth to be closer to family.

Sam loved his work as an engineer, and brought his analytical skills to bear on all aspects of life. He served on the Tomball School Board at a pivotal time in the 1960's, and later on the City Council in Katy. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren and loved singing and listening to music from the 40's and 50's. Sam was also an avid gardener, and this allowed him to connect with fond memories of summers at his grandparents' farm in Norphlet.

His wife, Jerry, preceded Sam in death by just 3 weeks. He is survived by sons, Samuel B. Smart III and wife, Judy, and Joel David Smart; daughter, Melanie Jill Richardson and husband, Rick; grandchildren, Brendan Smart and wife, Sarah, Scott Richardson and wife, Samantha, Meredith Smart and husband Tim Smith, Melissa Smart, Laura Gordey and husband, Jordan, and great-grandchildren Luke Richardson, Samuel Muir Smart, Jonah Gordey, Eric Richardson, and Brendan and Sarah's much anticipated second child.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to a charity of your choice in memory of Samuel B. Smart Jr.

Funeral Services were held Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at Canon Funeral Home, 1420 Farr Street, Waller, Texas with Dr. William Tillman officiating. Interment followed at Canon Mathis Cemetery.