George Sherman Smith

George Sherman Smith, 93, passed away in Midland, Texas on June 8, 2025.  He was born on August 28, 1931 in Independence, Kansas.  He graduated from Paola High School in Paola, Kansas in 1949 and entered the University of Kansas where he studied Petroleum Engineering.  While at the University he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, student chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and the Platoon Leaders Class of the United States Marines.  After graduating with a Petroleum Engineering degree, he entered the Marine Corps in 1954.  He was discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1956 and began working with Magnolia Petroleum Company (later became Mobil Oil Co.) as a Petroleum Engineer in Morgan City, Louisiana.  He married his wife Kay Newman Smith of Pittsburg, Kansas who he met at the University of Kansas.

He was transferred to Lake Charles, Louisiana as a Petroleum Engineer in 1960 and subsequently became a supervisor of the Cameron Offshore Production Area. In 1967 he was transferred to New Orleans, Louisiana where he worked in Division Planning and Evaluation then later in Division, Environmental Affairs with emphasis on offshore drilling on the East Coast. He transferred to Midland, Texas in 1977 as District Production Manager and became Manager of Division Joint Ventures before retiring in 1990.

During his career he was a member of the Civitan Club of Louisiana, Exchange Club of Midland, Texas, The American Petroleum Institute, Society of Petroleum Engineers, Petroleum Club and the Midland Country Club. George was a Deacon, Elder and Trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Midland and great spiritual leader for his family.

While in Midland, George and his wife have been supporters of Midland College, Museum of the Southwest, Petroleum Museum, Commemorative Air Force, and Midland Symphony and Chorale.

George was an outdoor enthusiast and enjoyed sail boating, fly fishing, bird hunting, skiing, scuba diving, tennis and golf. He and Kay traveled extensively to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, South America, England, Scotland, Scandinavia, the Holy Lands, Egypt and Africa.

George is survived by his wife of 67 years, Kay, and his daughters; Katherine Lin and her husband Bo, and Margaret Zimmerman and her husband Dale.  In addition, he is survived by four grandsons; Neil Zimmerman and his wife Jane, David Zimmerman and his husband Tom, George Lin and his wife Sara, Andrew Lin and his wife Sarah and three great grandchildren; Diana Zimmerman, Wesley Zimmerman and Henry Lin.  He was preceded in death by brothers Paul, Carl, and sister Charlotte Smith.

The family would like to thank George’s caregivers for their loving and excellent service.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel, 3800 N. Big Spring Midland, TX 79705.  Graveside service to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park and then a reception with the family at the funeral home.

If you would like to make a donation in George’s memory, please consider First Presbyterian Church of Midland 800 W. Texas Ave. Midland, TX 79701 or Midland Humane Coalition P.O. Box 53213 Midland, TX 79710.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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