Jefferson Lyle Smith, Jr.

Jefferson Lyle Smith Jr. (J.L.) known to his grandkids as Paw, 87, of Midland, TX passed away, and went to be with our Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 in Robert Lee, TX.

J.L. was the last of the six children born to Jefferson Lyle Smith Sr. and Myrtle Dolly Carlton on August 11, 1933 at his aunt’s house in Santa Anna, TX. He grew up in the Santa Anna, Rockwood, and Coleman, Texas area, where he also attended school. Before he married his childhood sweetheart, Margie Reese Terry, in 1951 he enlisted in The United States Airforce in 1950. He was very proud of his military service and being an airplane mechanic during The Korean War, and he loved to tell about his time spent in Japan during his service. After his discharge from service in 1954 J.L. and Margie made their home in Dallas, TX where he became a hairdresser for about five years, and they started their family. They later moved to Central Texas where he worked in the oilfield. In 1968 the family moved to Midland Texas where J.L. worked for Drillco Tools. He completed a machine shop practice course in 1970, and a general drafting course in 1974. He worked as a machinist for 21 years before he retired. After retirement

J.L. spent many hours in his woodworking shop doing what he loved; making all types of things for his family and friends, including a rocking cradle that he made for his youngest granddaughter when she was born. J.L. was known for his love of hats of all types, usually a Stetson, but if he weren’t wearing a hat of some sort people would ask him if something was wrong because he just didn’t look like himself. There are many fond memories of Paw playing the harmonica and showing off his soft shoe skills to his grandchildren. He loved old country and western music, and his favorite singer was Jim Reeves.

J.L. was an avid motorcyclist as well. He and Margie were members of The Tall City Road Riders, he was the president and Margie was Vice President when the club was formed. J.L. and Margie took many cycling trips and vacations on many highways of this great country. J.L. also loved to fish all the lakes around the Coleman Texas area, especially Lake Ivy. He enjoyed fishing with family and having fish fries at his mother in law’s house. He loved all family gatherings, and he enjoyed getting out his turkey fryer any time he could so that everyone could enjoy his perfectly seasoned fried turkey.

He loved all of his family very much. He and Margie were blessed with four wonderful children: Karan Deeds of Midland, Jefferey Smith of Midland, Terry Smith, and his wife Rhonda of Tow, Texas, and Dawnna Brantley also of Midland. They have seven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and a great-great granddaughter on the way at the time of his passing.

J.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Jefferson Lyle Smith Sr.(Pop) and Myrtle Dolly Carlton(Little Granny), his sister Thelma Dyer, his brothers Clarence Smith, Harold Smith, Jesse Smith, Fred Smith, and Bobby Smith, and one son in law, Gary Deeds.Gone is a husband, and father loved by allHis soul is now at restHe rests in peace, his work is doneHe did a father’s best,

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