Jack Randolph Smith, 87, of Austin, Texas, died Monday, November 1st, 2021 at Seton NW Hospital due to complications from surgery. Jack was born May 20th, 1934 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Gussie Belle and Barney Smith. His childhood was spent in Charlotte along with his mother, grandmother and two siblings, Sonny and Charlotte, of whom he had very fond memories.
In 1954 Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force – a decision leading him to the love of his life and future wife, Jeanne Steis, during his first base assignment in Phalsbourg, France. Jack and Jeanne married in 1960, living in Chapel Hill, NC while he completed his college education at the University of North Carolina. Upon receiving his Master’s Degree in Social Work, Jack re-entered the Air Force and spent a wonderful lifetime with Jeanne raising a family and traveling the world as a clinical social worker. Many good memories were made in Spain, Turkey, Colorado and Texas. Jack rose to the rank of Major and was made Chief of Mental Health at several assignments. Retiring from the military in 1987 in Austin, Jack continued his therapy work through private practice and his writings. He published several books, both fiction and non-fiction, and continued his writing until his death. He often attended mass with Jeanne at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and thoroughly enjoyed hosting neighbors, friends and family at their home for dinners and parties. Jack was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He liked to talk and was also a great listener. He was direct, real, empathetic and a healer. He loved dogs, making sure his children had pets as they grew up as well as himself and Jeanne once they were empty nesters – their beloved Miniature Schnauzer “Pepper” held a special place in his heart. Jack’s later retirement years often included traveling back to Jeanne’s childhood home in France and going on cruises – the perfect way to see the world in comfort. No matter where in the world he landed, Jack cherished his children and grandchildren, ensuring they were supported in all their endeavors over the years. He participated fully in their lives and always made room in his for them to do the same.
Surviving family includes beloved wife Jeanne; daughter Annelise (Smith) Turner and husband Eric; son Mark and wife Tina; granddaughters Jessica Smith & Michael Deitch; Kendall (Turner) & Tyler Cannon and Allie Turner.
A Memorial Service is scheduled for Saturday, December 4th, at 2 P.M. - 4 P.M. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 1200 Bagdad Rd, Leander, Texas 78641.
“. . . And what is it to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
- Kahlil Gibran, from The Prophet
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