Jack Donald Smith's Obituary
SMITH, JACK DONALD Of Dallas, Texas passed away on October 3, 2011. Born April 5, 1923, in Egan, Texas, he grew up in Alvarado and Cleburne, Texas. He was a Retired Chief Petty Officer who served over 20 years active duty in U.S. Naval Aviation, followed by a 20-year tenure with Republic National Bank Dallas, retiring there as a Lending Officer and Assistant Vice President. He was preceded in death by his dear wife of 65 years, Lee Smith, who died June 18, 2009; his father and mother Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Smith; sister Johnnie Lou Akin; sister Marjory Rutherford; brother F.J. Smith; and great-grandson Grant Williams. He is also survived by daughter Elaine Williams and husband Mike; son Mark Smith and wife Cathy; grandson Chris Williams and wife Ruth; granddaughter Heather Williams Pitner and husband Matt; granddaughter Jessie Smith Tirrell and husband Geoff; and grandson Jonathan Smith. He leaves six great-grandchildren: Caden, Jack, and Grace Williams, Megan and Emma Pitner, and Connor Tirrell. Throughout Jack’s life, he showed his love best by his tireless provision for his family and by his examples of determination and courage. He was meticulous and dedicated to his work, whether by keeping airplanes in good repair, or by keeping his home and yard in perfect trim. He liked to work with his hands, and crafted many practical items for his home and family. Jack and Lee Smith were members of First Baptist Church of Oak Cliff for many years, and then of Wilshire Baptist Church. Both during Jack’s Navy career and within their church families, they formed many lifelong friendships. For the last eight years, Jack has resided at the Juliette Fowler Homes, where he received compassionate care. There he was known to residents and caregivers as a kind and increasingly tender man, even as his capacities decreased. He always found a way to express thanks to the staff for the many tedious tasks they performed. Our family joins in expressing that gratitude to them, and also to Carmen OCampo, who has brightened this last year of his life as his personal caregiver. As illness became his constant companion, Jack found a way to relinquish control of much, while retaining control of his dignity and personhood. He seldom complained, but continued until the end to respond, when asked, that things were “copacetic.” Jack’s was a life to celebrate and he will be missed. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, October, 6, 2011, at 10:30 AM, with his former pastor, Rev. Dr. James L. Cooper, presiding. It was his wish, shortly after the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 4144 N Central Expwy., #750, Dallas, TX 75204-3208. Arrangements are provided through Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas TX 75243 (972.238.7111). “Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”
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