James Allen Smith
June 16, 1926 — September 12, 2017
James Allen Smith
James Allen Smith of Bryan, Texas, passed away on September 12, 2017, surrounded by family, following a brief battle with cancer.
James was born on June 16, 1926, in Lacey Lakeview, Texas, to James Roy and Ida (Marcum) Smith. He attended school in Waco until he joined the Navy in 1943. He met and married the love of his life, Rachel Faye Martin, on June 17, 1945. Together, they built an amazing life together and raised four wonderful children. After the Navy, James drove for Central Freight Lines for 35 years where he was affectionately known as “Giggling Smith” until his retirement. He and Rachel enjoyed going camping with their Good Sam Club of which he was State Master for a couple of years, as well as working at various state parks during the summer seasons. James also worked for Tom Light Chevrolet for several years and treasured the many friendships he made during his time there.
James and Rachel were married for 56 years before her unexpected passing in 2001. His love for her endured even to his last breath. In 2010, he married his second wife, Betty (Gregory) Smith. They shared several happy years together until her passing in July 2016. James enjoyed spending time with friends, drinking coffee at Whataburger, and sharing jokes. Most of all, he loved his family and he loved to make people laugh.
James is survived by three daughters Suzanne King and husband Bill of Midlothian, Texas; Marsha Meadows and husband Jerry of Georgetown, Texas; Janice Boriski of Bryan, Texas; one son, Jimmy Smith of Poway, California; a sister, Edith Taylor, of Rice, Texas; a half-brother, Roy Lee Smith of Chilton, Texas; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great granddaughters; close friends, Delmar Smith, LaRue Elliott, and Lisa Cole, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends. He is also survived by his 21-year-old girlfriend, Charlie.
The family would like to thank Linda Escalante of Traditions Home Health and the first responders from Bryan Fire Department Station 3 for the unending support and compassion shown to our loved one.
Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas will host visitation from 4-6 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2017, and Life Celebration services at 10 am, Monday, Sept 18. Interment will be at 3pm at Robinson Cemetery in Robinson, Texas.
Please share memories and leave condolences at www.hillierfuneralhome.com
James was born on June 16, 1926, in Lacey Lakeview, Texas, to James Roy and Ida (Marcum) Smith. He attended school in Waco until he joined the Navy in 1943. He met and married the love of his life, Rachel Faye Martin, on June 17, 1945. Together, they built an amazing life together and raised four wonderful children. After the Navy, James drove for Central Freight Lines for 35 years where he was affectionately known as “Giggling Smith” until his retirement. He and Rachel enjoyed going camping with their Good Sam Club of which he was State Master for a couple of years, as well as working at various state parks during the summer seasons. James also worked for Tom Light Chevrolet for several years and treasured the many friendships he made during his time there.
James and Rachel were married for 56 years before her unexpected passing in 2001. His love for her endured even to his last breath. In 2010, he married his second wife, Betty (Gregory) Smith. They shared several happy years together until her passing in July 2016. James enjoyed spending time with friends, drinking coffee at Whataburger, and sharing jokes. Most of all, he loved his family and he loved to make people laugh.
James is survived by three daughters Suzanne King and husband Bill of Midlothian, Texas; Marsha Meadows and husband Jerry of Georgetown, Texas; Janice Boriski of Bryan, Texas; one son, Jimmy Smith of Poway, California; a sister, Edith Taylor, of Rice, Texas; a half-brother, Roy Lee Smith of Chilton, Texas; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great granddaughters; close friends, Delmar Smith, LaRue Elliott, and Lisa Cole, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other friends. He is also survived by his 21-year-old girlfriend, Charlie.
The family would like to thank Linda Escalante of Traditions Home Health and the first responders from Bryan Fire Department Station 3 for the unending support and compassion shown to our loved one.
Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan, Texas will host visitation from 4-6 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2017, and Life Celebration services at 10 am, Monday, Sept 18. Interment will be at 3pm at Robinson Cemetery in Robinson, Texas.
Please share memories and leave condolences at www.hillierfuneralhome.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Allen Smith, please visit our flower store.
Guestbook
Visits: 17
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
