Arthur Odell (A.O.) Smith, age 82, died Monday, February 22, 2016 after a short illness. Born on July 6, 1933 to Opal and Frank Smith, A.O. lived most of his childhood in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma with his grandparents. After high school, he worked in the oilfields of West Texas until he was drafted. Almost the entire time he was in the army, he was a pitcher for the Army Softball Team. During the years he was in the service, he and his wife Barbara had two children, Debbie and Rick.After his military service, A.O. and his family moved to Hobbs, New Mexico where he worked for several service companies in different capacities. Most of his years were spent successfully working as a sales representative. He worked for Pro Well Testing Company of Hobbs for many years and finished his career working for this company in Midland, Texas. Because of his expertise and his love of working, A.O. never retired. He worked until a few weeks before his death.In 1983, he married Pam Robinson in Eunice, NM. He welcomed her daughter Amber and son Jason into his heart and life. The family moved to Midland in 2000 where they were active in The First Baptist Church. A.O. loved playing Joker each week for many years with the same group of people and cherished the friendships he made with them. Pallbearers for his service will be the men from this close knit group: Bill Black, Phil Woodward, Jake Young, John Faught, Charles Schwope, Ted Fowler, and George Patton plus his former employer, Kirk Staggs, whom A.O. loved like a son.A.O. is survived by his wife Pam, his daughter Debbie Shoemake (husband Mike), son Rick Smith (wife Ruby), Pam’s son Jason Robinson (wife Ludy) and Pam’s daughter Amber Heady. Also surviving him are his seven grandchildren: Cindy Oakes, Nikki Horwath, Sunny Perkins, Sammy Camp, Conagher Robinson, Gus Robinson, Taylor Robinson and his 8 great grandchildren. Preceding him in death are his parents, grandparents and a sister.Visitation with the family will be Thursday, February 25 from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26 in the Chapel of First Baptist Church of Midland, 2104 West Louisiana Avenue, Midland, Texas. A private burial will be in the City Cemetery of Eunice, NM.The family requests that memorial donations be made to MARC of Midland, Inc, 2701 North A Street, Midland, TX 79705.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com. ,
