Jack Sherrod Smith

He was born November 22, 1930 in McKinney, Texas to Frank and Willie Sherrod Smith, who with brother Frank and sister Paula Andeel and his daughter Lisa preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Jane Bell, son, Stephen Blaine Smith, and Granddaughter Grace Suzanne Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He attended McKinney Public Schools where he played football and basketball, and played saxophone in the High School Band , and earned his Eagle Scout Badge. In 1953 graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Industrial Management. Following graduation was a Lt. in the U.S.Air Force, serving in Korea. Married Betty Jane Bell of Brownwood, Texas July 31, 1954.

Following. his discharge had a long and successful 43 year career with Haggar Apparel Co., was the first non-family member of the Board of Directors. During his Haggar career he became well known for his natural ability to understand people, and his skill in using his knowledge to help others obtain their own peak performance. He began his career the day after his discharge at McKinney Pant Co.in 1955 and managed the Temple, Oklahoma factory for 10 years before becoming Central Zone Manager, then named President of Manufacturing in 1985. He retired as Senior Vice President in April 1997 leaving 18 facilities and 8,000 employees off shore and state side. After retirement, a member of Tower Associated LLC, a consulting group Baltimore, Maryland. He contributed to Cornell University information on garment specifications and sizing in a book published in 2006 and did consulting in Nigeria and Bulgaria.

Jack was active in community affairs and a faithful member and Deacon of First Baptist Church Dallas. He served his beloved church on numerous committees, as Clarion and Chapel Choir Sponsors, Stephen Ministry, Nearly Wed Seminar and created the Widow Fellowship Ministry in 2004. Served as Trustee FBA , Dallas Baptist University, and Southwestern Baptist Theological. Seminary. While residing in Burkburnett, Texas, President of the Burkburnett School Board. Presently member SWBTS Advisory Board. He was an avid golfer and at various times a member of Prestonwood ,Gentle Creek, Glen Eagles, and Horseshoe Bay Golf Clubs and Park City Club.

A private graveside service was held on Sunday, October 23rd. A celebration of Jack’s life will be Saturday. October 29th at 1:00 p.m. Truett Chapel, First Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto.

If you choose, Memorials may be made to the Jack Sherrod and Betty Bell Smith endowed scholarship fund or the Mrs. W.A. (Betty) Criswell scholarship at SWBTS, P.O. Box 22500, Ft Worth, Texas 76122 or First Baptist Church, 1707 San Jacinto, Dallas, 75201.

He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather and deeply loved by all who knew him. His positive attitude and personality was attributed to what he had deep within him, his love for God, love for his family, love of golf and his joy of living. He will be remembered as a man who mentored and served others. He is in God’s presence and his memories will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, wife Betty Jane, son, Stephen and Granddaughter, Gracie.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Smith family.