W. Howard Smith, 92, formerly of Big Spring, passed away Friday, February 23, 2018 at the Masonic Retirement Center in Arlington, Texas. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at First Baptist Church Chapel of Big Spring with Pastor Mark Lindsey officiating.The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM, Monday, March 5, 2018 at the funeral home.Howard was born March 13, 1925 to Ruby and Luke Felton Smith. He graduated Big Spring High School in 1942 and attending Texas A&M briefly before joining the Navy where he served honorable as an aviation gunner until the end of World War II. After service he attended Sul Ross University and was employed by Texas Pacific Railroad. Howard was a 50 plus year member of Stake Plains Lodge #598 and an active member of the local Shrine Club. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Big Spring and later the First Baptist Church of Arlington.Howard was an avid golfer and he and Rebecca were major supporters of Howard College Athletics, often traveling near and far to games. Howard will be dearly missed….Howard is survived by two sons, John Howard Smith and Will Thomas Smith; a daughter, Linda Foster Russell and husband, Bill; four granddaughters; one grandson; four great-grandchildren; a brother and sister-in-law Ladd Smith and wife, Betty; and many caring nieces and nephews.He married Lenora Masters and she preceded him in death. He then married Rebecca McAnally and she also preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Doris Buchanan and Ruby Anderson; and three brothers, Payton Smith, Robert Smith, and Luke Felton Smith, Jr.The family would like to express a special thank you to all the precious care givers from American Home Care Solutions and Rehab At Home for their compassion, friendship, patience and assistance, as well as the caring staff and amazing friends and neighbors at Texas Masonic Retirement Center.Memorial Contributions may be made to H.L. Batton Scholarship Fund Howard College or Mission Arlington, 210 W. South St., Arlington, Texas 76010.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com,
