Harry Smith

Harry William Smith, Jr., age 86, passed away in his sleep on August 4, 2014.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, 57 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home. A private family service will be held at a later date.

One of ten children, William was born January 31, 1928 to Bessie and Harry W. Smith, Sr. in Omaha, Nebraska. A hard worker all his life working as: a nomadic farm worker as a child during the Depression, delivering telegrams during WII, a Civil Service employee at Abilene Air Base, and eventually working as a steel worker at Central Texas Iron Works for over 37 years. Devoted husband, father and grandfather, he delighted the lives of everyone he met by telling jokes, stories, singing songs and playing his harmonica. As a builder, William contributed to many structures in the Abilene area and hand constructed a lakehouse retreat for his family to enjoy for many years. More importantly than the physical buildings he constructed, William created a legacy of family commitment, and this will continue for generations to come. William and Helen came from difficult backgrounds and wanted more than anything to serve their Lord and Savior by creating a strong Christian family.

William has gone now to heaven to join his wife of 65 years, Helen, as well as his brothers, sisters and parents.

William is survived by his children and their spouses: James and Mary Smith, Susan and Mike Walker, Tricia and John Johnson, Linda and Craig Clark Grandchildren: Heather and David Petro, Christina and Joel Rivera, Jayme Smith, Gabe and Christy Walker, David Walker, Lindsey Johnson, Marcus Johnson, Hayden and Kristen Johnson, Wes and Christina Clark, Cory Clark, Will Clark Greatgrandchildren: Makayla, Elijah, and Karissa Petro Autumn, James, and Addilynn Rivera Jonathan Sheets, Brylyn Walker Colson, Hartley, and Evyn Clark.

The family requests donations be made to Hendrick Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Visitation