Norman Smith

1933 - 2025

Norman Smith

Dec 1, 1933 - May 12, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Norman Oliver Smith, one-of-a-kind dad, granddad, brother, uncle and friend. Norman was a special man who took charge of life through so many adventures from sports, coaching, hunting, fishing, teaching, farming to working cattle. His strength, dedication and determination touched the lives of so many, he was always giving to others. He will be deeply missed.

Norman was the middle child of Buck and Kate Smith. Born December 1st, 1933, in Three Rivers, TX. He was raised with an older brother, 3 sisters and lots of extended family. His love of the land and working cattle began at an early age. His entire family had a strong work ethic and participated in farming and cattle ranching. He attended Three Rivers schools and excelled in sports. Upon graduation he continued his education at Texas A&I university in Kingsville, TX on scholarship as a 3-sport athlete. Norman began his coaching and teaching career at McGregor High School (1955-1961), moving on to become the Midway head coach from 1961-1968, and finishing his coaching career as the head coach at Reicher Catholic High School. His continued commitment to school sports and his entrepreneurial spirit led him to purchase Cen-Tex Sports Inc. He expanded this small business into a wholesale enterprise that serves school districts and coaching staff across Texas and nearby states.

In 1959 Norman Married Jean Zimmerman and they welcomed two daughters, Lisa and Shelley. The family settled in Woodway and lived happily until Jean became ill and passed away in 1978. After the death of his beloved Jean, Norman was fortunate to find love again with Martha Maddux. They enjoyed many shared interests but had more fun fishing together at their lake house on Lake Limestone. They married in 1981 and enjoyed 36 happy years together until Martha's death in 2017.

Norman is preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Kate Smith, first wife, Jean Zimmerman Smith, daughter, Lisa Smith Cotharn, second wife, Martha Maddux Smith, brother, H.C. Smith, sister, Joyce Kay Smith Hansen, and great grandson, Andy Joe Lambert.

Norman is survived by his daughter, Shelley Smith Malone and husband Patrick, Stepson, Butch Maddux and wife Pam, grandchildren Baron Cotharn and wife Samantha, Courtney Cotharn Lambert and husband Garrett, Brandon Maddux and wife Kristin, sisters, Joann Smith Alford and Ethelene Smith Adams, 8 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.