Pom was born in Newark, NJ, on February 2, 1924, to Elmira and Van Tyle Smith. He graduated from the Pawling School and entered Princeton University in September, 1942. In December of that year he enlisted in the United States Army. In June, 1944, he took part in the Normandy invasion and was caught behind lines in the Battle of the Bulge. In December, 1945, he returned to Princeton and graduated in 1946. He was a member of the Cottage Club.
Pom was employed by Minneapolis Honeywell in their micro-switch department in New York City. In 1953 he moved to Midland, Texas, as an independent oil operator and co-founded Coquina Oil Corporation in 1968, which later merged into St. Joe Mineral Corporation. In 1980, he founded the Bison Exploration Company and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
While in Midland, Pom was very active in community service, serving as Director and President of the YMCA for several years. He also served as trustee of the Beal Foundation, Midland Memorial Hospital, The Petroleum Club and on the board of the Midland Museum, Racquet Club, Trinity School, Spectrum Energy, Kenbock Petroleum Company and Marshall Winston Oil.
In 1958, Pom married Betty Jane Perry from Pineville, Kentucky. They had four children: Elizabeth Smith of Dallas, Texas; Pomeroy Smith II of Raleigh , North Carolina; Andrew Smith of La Jolla, California; and Timothy Smith of Dallas, Texas. In addition he is survived by four grandchildren: Reid Elizabeth, Pomeroy III, John Poe and Caroline.
Pom was a much beloved father and husband and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be at 11:30 AM on Thursday, February 21st, at the Midland Racquet Club, 3009 Racquet Club Dr., Midland, TX, 79705.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Pomeroy and Betty Smith Cardiovascular Endowed Chair Baylor Scott and White Dallas Foundation, 3600 Gaston Ave, Suite 100, Dallas, TX 75246.
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