Alton Leo Smith, “Big Al” to his friends, passed away on Monday August 30th, 2021, while recovering from post operative complications, at Sierra Medical. He is survived by his loving wife, Anne Bates Smith. He fought stubbornly to the end.
Al was born in McAllen Texas, March 3rd, 1937, and was the only son of Mildred Martz Smith and Melvin “Buddy” Smith.
Al was an exceptional athlete, through youth and college. In his youth he was known as “Diamond” to his friends, because of his passion and excellence at baseball. He attended Pan American University in Edinburg Texas, and Texas A&I Kingsville, where he played both collegiate baseball and basketball.
He graduated from Texas A&I with degrees in business and finance.
He moved to El Paso, in 1969, where he became deeply involved in all facets of the El Paso business community. Over the years, Al worked in Insurance, Finance, Savings and Loan, Automotive, and land development, and touched many lives and made many friends along the way.
Over the years he was involved in many charitable activities in the community, such as The Sun Bowl Association, The Boys Club and the El Paso Cancer Treatment Center. He was always eager and willing to lend a hand and help a friend.
Al is survived his wife Anne Toth Bates Smith, son Sheldon (Natasha) Smith of New Braunfels, daughter Kelly Reese of Lake Travis, and daughter by marriage Lisa (Kiernan) Mattson of Phoenix AZ, and son by marriage, Judd Bates of Phoenix AZ.
Also survived by Grandchildren, Tristan Smith, Aidan Smith, Alexandra Benker, Hannah Mattson, and Zach Mattson. He was immensely proud of all of them and their accomplishments.
Al had a passion for golf, friends, Mexican food and above all …reading. Barnes and Noble stock took a dive on news of his passing. If left to his own devices, he would read a book almost every day.
We are all saddened by his passing but are all better for having known him and having had him in our lives. When it is 5 o'clock somewhere, raise your glass and toast him.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 2 pm at Martin Funeral Home West, 128 N. Resler Dr., El Paso, Texas 79912.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Alton's name to First Tee at https://firsttee.org/donate/ or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MartinFuneralHomeWest.com for the Smith family.
