John Watson Smiley

John Watson Smiley June 2, 1906 – November 2, 2003 John Watson Smiley died November 2, 2003 at his home in Westminster Manor. He was 97 years old. He was born in Tyler, Texas to John and Bessie (Yarbrough) Smiley. He graduated from John Tyler High School in Tyler then received a degree from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia. In World War II, John served as a Colonel with the 82nd Airborne Division. His distinguished service earned him the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and numerous campaign medals. In addition to a busy career as an electrical engineer and business manager of First Presbyterian Church of Tyler, he was an avid fisherman and he loved his trips to Rockport, Texas. He moved from Tyler to Austin in 1954 to become the business manager of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He was a member of the University Presbyterian Church in Austin and served as an elder. In later years, he and his wife resided at Westminster Manor. He is preceded in death by his wife, Norma McDougal Smiley and his sister Elizabeth Smiley Hooks. He is survived by his nieces Margaret Hooks Wilson and husband Rollin of Memphis, Tennessee and Elizabeth Hooks Richards of Key Largo, Florida; great-nieces Lee Wilson Strickland and husband Craig and Lynn Wilson Leppert and husband Mike of Memphis, Tennessee. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Barbara McDougal of Carrollton, his niece Norma McDougal Stone and husband Mike of McKinney, nephews Tommy McDougal and wife Glenda of Cedar Park and Tim McDougal and wife Erin of Houston. The activities of the young people in his family were a source of great pleasure to him, and his generosity enabled many of them to further their education. The family would like to thank the staff of The Medical Team for making John’s last days comfortable. A memorial service is scheduled for Sunday, November 9th at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Westminster Manor, 4100 Jackson Avenue, Austin. The Reverend San Williams will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to University Presbyterian Church (2203 San Antonio Street, Austin, Texas 78705) or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 – (512) 452-8811 You may view memorials online at www.wcfish.com