Harry Smith

Harry E. Smith, age 97 of Fort Worth,Texas, well know as working at the Ft. Worth Stock Show until he retired at the age of 95, passed away Saturday March 5, 2022, in a local hospital. Funeral Service will be 2 pm Friday, March 11,2022 at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be 1pm-2pm Friday at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery.

Harry was born on January 26,1925 in Belton,Texas, to Seymour and Mary Elizabeth Smith. He was best known for working at the Ft. Worth Stock Show. He started working at the Stock Show in 1963 and worked there until 2020 as Superintendent in the horse show department. He gained a reputation as a problem solver; he could always be counted on to insure a successful rodeo season. He was a World War II Army Veteran serving in the Philippine Islands from 1943-1945. He was awarded 2 bronze stars. He retired from The Texas and Pacific Railway where he worked as a Switchman and Brakeman for 42 years. After retiring, he took up the hobby of working on fiddles and violins. He was a self taught craftsman. He repaired instruments for customers from coast to coast including Shoji Tabuchi of Branson, MO. He married Jane Beasley on Feb.14,1950. She preceded him in death in 2007 after 57 years of marriage. He later reconnnected with a lifelong friend Mary Barron. They shared many adventures together including cruises, dancing, and trips to casinos. She preceded him in death in 2021. He is also preceded in death by a granddaughter Amy Stockstill.

Survivors include his daughters: Cindy Hogan of Weatherford, Melissa Couch of Valley Mills, Marilea Strain and Husband Wade of Willow Park; grandchildren: Lisa Moody, Richard Hogan II, Cody Strain, and Kailee Strain; several nieces, nephews and cousins.