Ernest Edward Smith

1931 - 2024

To know Ernest Edward Smith was to know the true meaning of "Renaissance Man." He served his God; he served his country; and he served his family as a caring and loving patriarch.

Born Feb. 8, 1931, the second son of Lezora Estelle and Jim Wade Smith, in Waco, McLennan County, Texas. Ernest graduated from Moore High School in Waco and later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was skilled as a medic and dental technician. He served his country for 28 years, retiring as Senior Master Sergeant.

On Feb. 6, 1954, Ernest married Clara Mae Adams. To their union was born Sandra Renee Smith on Feb. 3, 1956, and Ernie Wade Smith, July 2, 1967. On June 13, 1997, Clara succumbed to a years-long battle with cancer.

During his time in the military, Ernest traveled the world. When he retired in a suburb of Austin, Texas, he worked for a time with the U.S. Postal Service, followed by lengthier tenures with Texas Instruments where some of his work obtained patents, and the Veteran's Administration where he was a computer programmer.

On March 20, 2001, Ernest married Nitida Del Rosario Germosa Garcia. Together they enjoyed gardening, traveling, and spending time with family.

While his professional work met the top of industry standards, Ernest's hobbies met no less a standard of perfection. Self-taught, Ernest mastered photography from polaroids, to film to digital. He also learned to paint -- a unique artwork was his "Earth Rising," painted from the perspective of someone on the moon watching Earth rise. He was a wood craftsman who made many of the furnishings in his own home as well as some signature pieces for family members and friends. He also liked to hunt and was efficient with a variety of firearms.

In addition to his first wife, Ernest was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, his two brothers, Jimmie Lee Smith and Freddie Joe Smith, and a sister Connie LaVonne Smith Wilson.

He leaves to celebrate his memory, his wife Nitida of Manchaca, Texas; his son Ernie Wade (Shawn) Smith of Buda, Texas; a sister Mary (Marvin) Webster of Waco; a half-brother Gerald Wayne Smith of Waco; four grandsons Nathan (Ariel) Martin of Alabama, Jordan Smith of San Marcos, Texas, Jaydan Smith of San Marcos, Texas, Maurice Martin of Austin, Texas; two granddaughters, Private Nya Martin of Austin, Texas (deployed in South Korea); and Vanessa Martin of Austin, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.