Darrel Smith

Darrel Lynn "Stretch" Smith, of Abilene, 55, loving son, brother, father and grandfather went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 3, 2016.

Darrel was born in Boulder, Colorado on July 16, 1960, to Larry Don and Billie Smith. He was the youngest of three boys and attended Mann Jr. High and Abilene High School, where he enjoyed playing football. His dad is proud to say that Mann Jr. High won the city championship when Darrel was on the team!

Darrel began his career in the car business but later owned and operated Texas Tandem Trucking, a business he built from the ground up with the help of his sons and many friends. Darrel loved traveling to see new things, fishing, and joking with his friends and family. He was known to perhaps "stretch" the truth when sharing a story. There was a twinkle in his eye when he found someone gullible enough to believe everything he said.

He was also known to play his favorite card game, Baccarat, in Las Vegas every chance he got. We never were sure if they always wanted him to come back so they could get their money back from him, or just felt sorry for him because he lost so much.

He had a heart as big as the state of Texas and was always ready to lend a hand to anyone in need. Many would say he was generous to a fault. It was also said of him, "We wouldn't be the men we are today without the influence of Darrel in our lives." He cherished time spent with family at fish fries and playing on the floor with grandchildren - after all, he was a kid at heart!

Darrel loved what he did for a living and made the most of every day. Many would say he was "bigger than life!"

Darrel is survived by his parents, Larry Don and Billie Smith of Abilene; two brothers: Larry Duane and wife, D'Anna, of Abilene, and Dennis and wife, Dale, of Tye; two sons, Justin and wife, Janey, and Brandon and family, Jenn Murray, both of Abilene; seven grandchildren: Jayla Murray, Teagun and Laken Smith, Miguel De La Cruz, Martin Patten, Joseph and Jake Boles; as well as nieces and nephews Kristen and Jack Welch and Ben and Krystal Smith of Abilene, Clayton and Laci Smith of Austin, Texas, and Austin Smith of Nashville, Tennessee.

Darrel is also survived by his loving companion, Lisa Grey; her son Bryan Buckley and wife, Nichole, and son D Grey and his wife, Kami, as well as grandchildren Matthew and Bryson Buckley and Kain and Kaleb Grey. Lisa, D, and Nicole worked with Darrel at Texas Tandem.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on January 7, 2016, at Elmwood chapel.

Celebration of Darrel's life will be at 11:00 a.m. on January 8, 2016, at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 US HWY 277 S. with Dr. Phil Christopher and Stormy Higgins officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park.

Memorial gifts may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family through the obituary link at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Visitation

Elmwood Funeral Home
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Thursday, January 7, 2016
6:00 to 8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606
Friday, January 8, 2016
11:00 AM

Cemetery

Elmwood Memorial Park
5750 HWY 277 South
Abilene, TX  79606