Edward Lee Smith

Edward Lee Smith, 81, of Buna, died Saturday, September 27, 2025.  He was born on January 29, 1944, in Port Arthur, to Lillie LeDeaux Smith and Iris Newton Smith.  Mr. Smith proudly served his country in the United States Army.

He was a kind, smart, and very wise man. He was never without a smile and a kind word to say, and he brought joy into every room he entered. He was always joking, laughing, and having fun; but could still have the deepest conversation with you. He was the extreme of both. He loved astronomy, had an unusual love of music, and had a scientific mind that he operated from in everything he did and thought about.

Survivors include his wife, Katherine Smith; children, Elizabeth Hillquist and her husband, Don, of Vidor; Russell Smith and his wife, Kimla, of Orange; and Stephanie Bush of Groves; stepson, Joel Lene and his wife, Tonya, of Vidor; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; brother, Gordon Smith; one niece and two nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Ronald Smith; and nephew, Gordon Smith, Jr.

He will be greatly missed!

A gathering of Mr. Smith’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m., with his funeral service at 11:00 a.m., October 4, 2025, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.  His interment will follow at Hardin Memorial Park, Silsbee.