Fred Cooper Smith, Jr.

Fred Cooper Smith, Jr., (Coop to everyone who knew him) died Saturday, February 16, 2008. You could spot "Coop" anywhere. He always wore a cowboy hat, suspenders, and boots, and was quick to shake hands. Consequently, he never met a stranger anywhere. He had a love for telling stories and was a true Texan. He had a love for riding horses; he was a classic Texas cattleman. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and never passed up any opportunity to go hunting. His ranch was always his one great place of solace and his source of harmony with nature. His story telling was legendary and his interest in all things Texas greatly influenced his love of history. Integrity and dedication were but two of his outstanding traits. He was a member of the Georgetown Heritage Society, Williamson County Historical Commission, Williamson County Historical Museum, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, a life member of the Williamson County Sheriff's Posse, and was a founding member of the Weir Volunteer Fire Department. He also had served on the Weir City Council and was a past president of the Georgetown Ex-Students Association. Coop was born on February 7, 1933 in Austin, Texas at St David's Hospital to Fred C. Smith, Sr. and Gladys Noble Smith. Coop was a 4th generation resident of Georgetown and Williamson County. He grew up in the Georgetown area and it was in first grade that he met the love of his life, Laura Sue Durrenberger. He attended Georgetown public schools, graduating in 1950. He attended Texas A&M College, later entered the United States Army and married Laura Sue in 1953. While in the Army, he proudly served in the first battalion that worked on the development of the Corporal missile. After discharge from the Army, Coop attended Southwestern University. He then joined the family business, managing the Georgetown Oil Mill. Ever since then, he was a cattle rancher in the Georgetown area. One of his proudest moments came in June of 2007, when 2 of his farms were recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture as Texas Family Land Heritage farms. This programs honors farms that have been in continuous operation for over 100 years. Coop is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laura Sue, and their 3 children and their spouses; Mary Sue Smith, Marsh F.”Skip” Smith II and Rebecca Smith, and James and Karen Smith Red. He leaves three wonderful grandchildren, Marsh F. Smith III, Colby A. Smith, and Lauren E. Red. He is also survived by his brother, Gordon Smith and wife Gean of Augusta, Georgia, and sister Karen Wilson and husband Chuck of Georgetown, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. To everyone, Coop will be remembered as a kind, loving, and giving husband, father, Papaw, rancher, Aggie, and Texan. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm at the Gabriels Funeral Chapel on Wednesday February 20, 2008. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 21,2008 at 10:00 A.M. at The First Presbyterian Church of Georgetown. Interment will be afterward at the Weir Cemetery. Pallbearers will be members of the Weir Volunteer Fire Department. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Fontenot, Michael Red, Neil Schweitzer, Charles Johnson, Byron Caldwell, C.D.”Mac” McClain, Dub Ramsel, Carl Doering, and Mervin Walker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Weir Volunteer Fire Department (P.O. Box 266 Weir, TX 78674) and the Weir Cemetery Association. Arrangements by The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, 393 N.IH 35, Georgetown, Texas 78628.512-869.8888