Donald Gene Smith

Donald Gene Smith, 73, of Spring, Texas, passed away May 19, 2011. He was born on August 2, 1937, in Borger,Texas, to the late Ray and Ruby Smith. Don is preceded in death by his sister, Cora Lee Louden, and Jill's mother, Sandra Smith. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Lillian Smith; daughter Jill Smith; step-daughter Kelly Quick and husband David; grandchildren Nathan Ray Smith-Lorrain and Katherine Coerver; brother Ralph Smith; nephew Cameron Powell Smith and nieces Jan and Sharon.

Don graduated from Phillips High School in 1955 where he was a member of the football, basketball and track teams. During his high school career he was a member of the 1954 Phillips Blackhawk State championship football team and participated in three bowl games during which he formed many lasting friendships. During his senior year Don was heavily recruited including by Paul "Bear" Bryant. He chose to attend Texas A&M to play for Bear Bryant and was the first person from Phillips to be recruited by a Southwest Conference school. Don was a three year letterman at A&M and was a member of the 1957 Southwest Conference Champion Aggies who went to the Gator Bowl. After graduation in 1959 he took his first coaching job at Lubbock Monterrey High School and went on to be the the head coach at Tahoka, Texas, and then athletic director at Perryton, Texas. Don then changed careers and worked in the oilfield services industry until retirement. During his retirement he enjoyed working at WalMart and, of course, never lost his love for sports and especially Aggie football. At Aggie games you could always find him with the Red Ass tailgaters enjoying special friendships and football.

A celebration of Don's life is set for 11:00 am, Monday, May 23, 2011, at Christ Church United Methodist, 6363 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 570127, Houston, Texas 77257 or www.cancer.org..