Don Smith
Donald Wray Smith, 80, of Beaumont, died Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Mid Jefferson Extended Care Hospital in Beaumont. He was born August 19, 1941, in Natchitoches, Louisiana, to Emma Marie Edwards Smith and George S. Smith.
Don had a career in the radio and television industry, and was retired from Time Warner. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and a long-time member of Wesley United Methodist Church. He was active with the church choir as well as the Beaumont Community Players. He loved playing golf, telling stories, and spending time with his friends and family.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Merrill Smith, and his wife of 35 years, Glenda “Sue” Hollis Smith. He is survived by his daughters, Dr. Jennifer Wilson and her husband, Dr. Robert; Amy Drury and her husband, Jon; son, David G. Smith and his wife, Meghan; grandchildren, Dr. Molly Wilson; Hannah Drury; Aaron Drury; Natalie Smith; PFC Dawson Smith; and Jacelyn Sherman; great-grandchildren, Sakura Wright and Oliver Wright; brother, Warren Smith and his wife, Margo; sister, Gwen Shimek; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaumont Community Players, 4155 Laurel Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77707.
A gathering of Don’s family and friends will be 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 3, 2021
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Funeral Service
Wesley Methodist Church
- 3810, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- November 4, 2021
- 11:00 am
Committal
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
We’ve know Don for about 50 + .our kids grew up with their kids in MYF . Don played chickenfoot at our house every Fri night for 20++ yrs. a dear friend. HE WILL BE MISSED. He ALWAYS had several jokes each week and loved to tell them. Just doesn’t feel real to us yet. Can’t be but GOD needed one more happy, joking,singing person in Heaven I guess. Because we sure wasn’t through with him yet…………miss u buddy.
I was sad to hear the news of Don’s passing. He was such a great guy with a beautiful voice.
I will keep your family in my prayers.
Don was such a sweet and caring person for all. His face will so missed at WUMC. Prayers to family members and those that loved Don.
Eileen Tindall
Deepest condolences to the Smith family in the loss of a great man. Don and I go way back to our school days. Always enjoyed catching up on happenings in our lives at our class reunions and sad to see he has left another “empty chair” in our FHS gatherings.
God’s comforting arms around each of you.
Nancy Kay
Don prepared crosses for all that were a part of the wesley play on the walk to the cross—i have mine and will always remember DON WHEN I SEE IT. HE WAS A ONE OF BEST.
Don was fun person to be around.He was always talkings about people and old places of Beaumont.While driving for Classic Dealerships to auto auctions in Houston and Dallas ,we got a History lesson from Don and Nick Larocca.I will miss Don. God Bless you Don. Ken
So long to my dear friend. I’ll miss our conversations. We will miss you up here in the north country.
We loved Don. He was such a Christian man and man of
Integrity. We loved spending time with him. We are out of town and will miss his funeral but the family will be in our thoughts and Prayers. RIP Don.
What a wonderful friend he was! Don shared his faith in God cheerfully and always was a pleasure to know. We shared many good laughs and memories of shows we did together. His voice over talent was frequently a feature of our video productions and he never left a recording session without sharing a good story and a laugh. I was fortunate to know him. I send my deepest sympathy to his family.
What a great guy! Multi-Talented, wry wit, an announcer’s voice, and a Christian whose faith manifested itself in the service of love as set forth in the example of our blessed Lord.
Earl and Betsy Hines
To all of Don’s family. I am so sorry for your loss. I have known don for a
Long time and always enjoyed visiting with him. He was such a nice person. I’m sure he’s already planning a golf game in heaven. I’ll keep you all in my prayers. Love to all
Karen Baker