Mr. Jesse Lee Smith's Obituary
Jesse Lee Smith, age 93, of Rosharon, Texas, a third generation Brazoria County native, passed away at his home on March 26, 2012. He was born May 29, 1918, at his grandmother's family home in Alvin, Texas. He was one of eight children born to William Henry and Cordella Smith who preceded him in death. Also preceding him were sisters, Willa Bea, Daisy, and Mary Rachel, brothers, Buck, Lee Roy, Joe and their spouses.IIII He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Helon, one daughter, Linda Smith Clark and husband Eddie of Sugar Land, and grandson Travis Clark Oswald of Rosharon. Also surviving him are his brother, W.H. (Billy) Smith, wife Bobbie and nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as numerous friends. Jesse graduated from Alvin High School in 1935 and worked several jobs before joining Hughes Tool Company in Houston in 1936. He worked for Hughes six years before joining the Army in August 1942. His service in World War II was with the 194th Field Artillery Battalion which took him to New York, Africa, Italy and Germany. Upon his return in 1945, he rejoined Hughes Tool Company where he worked for 47 years, retiring in 1983. After retirement, he began his second career as a full-time rancher. He loved raising cattle and working his farm. These were some of his happiest times. He was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church of Rosharon, of which his parents were charter members. The greatest blessings of his life were his marriage to his wife, Helon, and the birth of their daughter Linda, and later grandson, Travis. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. The family would like to express their gratitude and love to their long-time caregiver and dear friend, Anna Yanez, numerous family and friends for their kindness and support over the years and special appreciation to Dr. Robert Hust and his staff. A funeral service will be conducted at eleven o'clock on Friday, March 30, 2012, in the Sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Rosharon, Texas,
16211 Second Street, Rosharon, Texas. Friends and family are invited to visit with the family at a reception immediately following the service in the Church Fellowship Hall. Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Aydell, Mike Fisher, Kelly Hayes, Mark Tomlinson, Craig Zwahr and Grandson, Travis Clark Oswald. A private burial will be held in Lovelady, Texas. In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, the family asks that family and friends say a special prayer for Jesse and his family.
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