George W. Smith

George W. Smith, age 90, of Leroy, passed away early Thursday afternoon, December 22, 2011 at Providence Health Center in Waco. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 26, 2011 at The Leroy Church, with Rev. Greg Way officiating. Mr. Smith was born October 25, 1921 in Oriental Negros, Philippines, the son of William Joshua and Grace (Whithee) Smith. He graduated from Mt. Herman High School in Massachusetts prior to receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Brown University in 1943. He served with the United States Marine Corp during World War II as a pilot. On March 17, 1944 he was united in marriage to Juanita Brandon Waco. Juanita preceded him in death on September 28, 2011. George was an aircraft dispatcher for Pan American Airways for 35 years before retiring in 1980. He was a member of The Leroy Church. He enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity, watching Baylor sports, working crossword puzzles and singing. George is also preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Clifford Craig, Roy Fowler, and Bob Helmick. Survivors include a son, Robert D. Smith of Axtell; a daughter, Donna Lynn Estes and husband Mark of West; three sisters, Blanche Craig and Harriet Fowler, both of Newberg, Oregon and Roberta Helmick of Forrest Grove, Oregon; five grandchildren, Caleb Estes, Joshua Estes, Nicole Hondo, Rachel Klamm, and Jason Smith; seven great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Leroy Church or Habitat for Humanity.