Arthur Leon Smith, Devoted Husband, Beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather went to be with the Lord on May 12, 2018 with family and friends by his side after a long battle with COPD. He lived a wonderful life of 89 Years, surrounded by those he loved. He was a long time resident of Friendswood, Texas. Leon and his wife, Marie, moved to The Woodlands, Texas to be close to family, where they enjoyed the peace, tranquility, and beauty of the trees and water.
Leon attended Houston Baptist University where he studied Religion and Ministry. He was a devout Christian, attending Woodlands United Methodist Church. He was blessed with visits from Chaplain Steve Aronowitz from Rose of Texas Hospice, as well as Pastor Cliff Ritter during the last year of his life. In his younger years, his ministry was to give his Testimony at numerous churches. On an interesting note, he met his Lovely Bride while selling Bibles in Tennessee. It was love at first sight and he proposed within weeks while walking through a watermelon park with my Mother. In later years, he commissioned an artist to paint a picture of the place of his proposal and her acceptance. He was also blessed to have loving and compassionate caregivers, providing him with companionship and care.
Leon was an Entrepreneur, establishing his own corporation, National Wholesale. He successfully operated his business, retiring at the age of 85. His wife, Marie Smith, retired from her career as a Computer Analyst with Shell Oil to work beside her husband operating their family business.
Leon was married to the Love of his Life, Vivian Marie Smith, for 68 wonderful years. They had a beautiful life together, filled with love and laughter. Leon and Marie spent many years enjoying their ranch in Lockhart, Texas. They belonged to several Country Clubs, where they loved to play golf, fine dining, and special occasions with family and friends. Leon was an avid sports fan and loved watching football, basketball, baseball, and golf with his wife. They loved attending the High School and College football games and Basketball games that their son and grandsons played. He was filled with energy and rarely missed any of his children’s or grandchildren’s extracurricular activities. Leon and Marie, along with their family, had fond memories of attending the Olympics games. They took many trips, but their favorite vacation spot was Hawaii.
Arthur Leon Smith is preceded in death by his lovely wife, Vivian Marie Smith. He was devoted to her during her lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s.
Leon is survived by three children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Sherry Holman Banta, of The Woodlands and her husband, David Norton; his son, Arthur Kent Smith, of Kerrville, Texas and his wife, Lisa Smith; his son, DeWayne Rush Smith of Austin, Texas and his wife, Cathy Smith; his grandchildren, Michael Holman, Ashley Banta, Bryan Banta, Ronda Smith, Ben Smith, Paige Smith, and Ally Smith; great grandchildren, Kallie Alexa Vinson, Atalyee Jade Smith, Mason Rush Smith, Tyson Bruno, and Marek Bruno.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 2, 2018 at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home. Following the service, there will be a reception in Forest Park’s event room.
