Earl Eugene "Gene" Smith

September 23, 1943 - July 12, 2007

Facebook

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel

Saturday 7/14, 2:00 pm

Earl Eugene "Gene" SmithGene passed from this earth on July 12, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. He was a wonderful husband, father and he was especially proud of his grandsons. Services will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, July 14, 2007 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel, 3800 N Big Spring Street in Midland.Gene was born September 23, 1943 in Olney, Texas to Benjamin and Ada C. Smith. He graduated from Dumas High School. He served in the Army from 1965 to 1967, in which he received a Purple Heart along with other honors.He married Janet Eckelkamp September 12, 1970 in Electra, Texas. They lived in Electra until 1991. They lived a brief time in Longview, Texas before moving to Midland in 1994. He worked for the Midland Independent School District. He retired from MISD as a groundskeeper for Lee High School in 2006. The sporting fields were his passion. He loved being around all the coaches, players and taking care of their needs.Surviving him is his wife Janet, of 36 years; two daughters, Kimberlee Taylor and husband Johnny of Arlington, Texas and Kerrie Smith of Midland; one brother, Troy Smith and wife Jean of Burleson, Texas; three grandsons, Logan Scott, Colton Wayne and Zane Andrew Taylor of Arlington, Texas; his dog, Rebel; as well as a host of other family members and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin and Ada C. Smith; 3 brothers, N.B. Smith, J.W. (Jelly) Smith and J.B. Smith; 2 sisters, Bernice Giles and Ruth Kinikin.In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Lee Lady Rebels Softball team, Lee boys Soccer team and Home Hospice, 901 W Missouri Avenue, Midland, TX 79701.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,

Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel

Saturday 7/14, 2:00 pm

See Condolences

I got to play a wonderful round of golf with Gene and Janet in Colorado. We had a great time. Gene was so easy to get to know. His love for his grandsons was evident from the beginning. Cherish the memories and know that he will be watching over you always. God Bless you all. Love Chandra

As a Lady Rebel Gene holds the most special place in my heart. He was a great friend. I loved Gene for all the hard work he did on the field and will never forget those 4 specials years of playing at Lee, and Gene's voice that annouced every great play or stupid mistake I ever made. When I got in college I had the priviledge of taking care of our field(it might have been a mistake). Going into it I thought this will be easy, Gene did it in his sleep (so it seemed). I learned it took great time and hard work. I just have one question, "Gene how did you make it look so easy and fun, and still be smiling at the end?" You are awesome, and never seemed to achieve the same perfection as the Rebel Field was everyday, day in, day out. You were awesome and I now realize (by experience) all the love you must of had for us Rebels because it wan't easy (for fun) work but you always seemed to have a smile to give.

What can I say that hasn't already been said! You were the most awesome person I've ever been around. Our road trips to Rebel games were so much fun and so memorable. All our RockHounds and Jackalopes games were fun too. I'm going to miss all the phone calls when I was on the road with the Rebels and you couldn't be. I know you are at peace and no longer in pain, and that makes me smile bigger than ever. I already miss you terribly.

I hope you remember us,Janet. We lived twodoors down from you on Ida St. We are so sorry to hear about Gene passing. You both were very good neighbors. Prissy & Robbie sends there condolences also. May God Bless you all.

My memories of Gene were that he was fun, helpful, kind. I hope that the memories of Gene's life will be to continue to celebrate the lives he touched. So sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God comfort and bless all of his family Fran

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

May God smile on your family and surround you with his love.

IT WAS GREAT TO KNOW YOU AND THANKS FOR THE MANY LAUGHS AND JOY YOU SHARED WHEN YOU AND JANET WERE AROUND. MAY YOUR WALK THREW THE STREETS OF GOLD BE GREATER THAN YOU COULD EVER HAVE IMAGINED. I KNOW YOU MUST BE HAVING AN AWESOME TIME WITH JESUS AND THE ONES THAT WENT ON BEFORE YOU. ONE DAY WE WILL SEE YOU THEIR. I KNOW THE LORD HAS ALREADY BLESSED YOU WELL.

We have such fond memories of Uncle Gene and Aunt Janet -- always so kind and fun to share with. We were so sorry to learn of the news. We share your grief. Our hearts and prayers are with you and family. Love, John and Margie

I grew up with Gene,starting in the 2nd grade.At the reunion all he talked about his love&pride of his family&school.May God's Love give you comfort at this time of need.

I have no idea where to even start. You were so amazing and one of the biggest softball fans I have ever known. I appreciate all the hard work you did on our fields at Lee they turned out to be BEAUTIFUL! Even though I graduated this year and wont be playing on the Lee fields, everytime I walk out on a softball field or into a softball park, I know I will hear your voice cheering, I will see you sitting in your lawn chair watchin' a softball game... I will miss you so much and I know you will still be making more and more friends everyday and watching over everyone because you were so caring and loving... I miss you so much and will see you again some day!

Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family. May peace and the love of family and friends comfort you during this difficult time.

To let you know I care and wish I could soothe the empty place inside your hearts where tears are born. I went to school with Gene through Junior and Senior High School. It was great to see Gene at our last high school reunion; he was so excited to be there and see everyone. And, everyone was so glad to see Gene. I wish the family comfort and peace; knowing Gene is in a much better place. My prayers are with you. Gene will truly be missed.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Smith family. Gene was a wonderful person. He was so influential in the Midland Lee Soccer team and my life. Gene will be remembered for his dedication and hard work. Gene made bus trips fun. Gene will always be a big memory in our family, and will be greatly missed. Thanks for all the wonderful memories.

We met Gene through his daughter Kim. He was very easy to be around -- kind, thoughtful and friendly. He adored his three grandsons and was a wonderful grandfather to them. His life was too short, but he leaves a lot of wonderful memories for his family and friends. He will be truly missed.

Our deepest love and prayers during this time of great loss. "Gene" and his family lived behind us in Cactus. Gene's brother, Jelly was our uncle. Gene was always so outgoing and when he smiled, everyone smiled. Our prayers are with the Smith family, that you each will feel the comfort of our loving Savior. In His Hands, Lou, Brenda, Janice & Don Albert

Kim and family, On behalf of the Little People's Council and Little People's Ministry of Trinity United Methodist Church, I would like to extend our deepest condolences. May God cloak you in His Peace and may you feel His Love. Sincerely, JoAnna Hentze

I grew up with Gene at Cactus and went thru high school with him. He was so excited when he came to our last reunion and he wanted to go out to Cactus to see where we grew up. I am gald we got to have such a good visit and will miss him next year at the reunion.

Thank you for being a part of our lives. You were fun to be around. Thanks for leaving your family the legacy of a loving father, wonderful Gramps and Colorado friend. We will miss you very much!

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.