Merl Smith

Merl was born in Lufkin, Texas on September 2, 1944 to George W. and Ruby C. Smith. Along with his twin, Earl, he was the youngest of 13 children.

He joined the United States Army in 1963, and served as a Sergeant combat engineer until honorably discharged in 1966.

Merl married Kay, whom he lovingly referred to as his bride, on July 23, 1977. They were approaching 48 wonderful years of marriage.

He began his work history as a driver for The Coca-Cola Company before ending up at Drew Woods Inc., where he worked for over 20 years as shop superintendent. During this time period, he also served as a reserve police officer for the city of Bryan and as a constable for Brazos County. Following his years of service with Drew Woods, Merl and Earl began their own air conditioning business, aptly named Twin Mechanical.

It was after his eventual retirement that Merl was blessed to focus on his true life passion - serving others. Whether providing his professional expertise or his general knowledge of any and all things, he helped numerous people. A/C repair? Merl to the rescue. Something broken? He could fix anything. Feeling lonely? Merl was at his happiest when he was visiting with others. He never met a stranger, and once he got to know someone, that person became family. A wonderful example of this is Dale Cuthbertson, Merl’s cherished friend and Thursday morning breakfast buddy.

Merl had many hobbies. He was an avid bowler for 60 years, participating in many leagues. He will be inducted into the Brazos Valley USBC Hall of Fame in July of 2025. In addition, Merl loved to garden, often sharing the fruits of his labor with countless friends and family. One of his favorite places was his greenhouse, where he tended an untold number of trees, shrubs, and flowers. Merl Smith could make anything grow and thrive. He also loved camping and would look for any excuse to do so. Not only did he camp with his bride, but he and his brothers nurtured their tight bond through twice yearly campouts at Ratcliff State Park. And finally, Merl took pride in the preparation of his famous brisket, a highly sought after treat served often at bowling banquets and family gatherings.

Anyone acquainted with Merl Smith knows that he was also an incorrigible prankster. His antics kept family and friends on their toes, never knowing when he would strike next. And he was greatly loved for it.

Preceding Merl in death are his parents, as well as siblings Evelyn, Mary, Violet Ruby, Norman, Lola Maude, Wilma (Jenky), James (Buddy), John (Bob), twins Bill and Betty Jean, and Byford (Buck).

Remaining to cherish Merl’s memory are his bride, Kay Smith; son Kenneth Speaks and wife Shelly; daughter Shelley Smith; daughter Keli K. Faucett and husband Danny; son Kevin Speaks and wife Lesley; twin brother Earl Smith and wife Ginger; honorary daughter Jennifer Dockery; grandson Krystopher Damian and wife Brittany; grandson Tyler Speaks; granddaughter Khrystynne Welch and husband Bryan; grandson Seth Speaks and fiance Kara Blaisdell; granddaughter Bailey Willems and husband Tanner; granddaughter Kaylen Speaks; honorary grandsons Beau and Houston Dockery; honorary granddaughter Kayla Jackson (CJ); 14 great grandchildren, with one on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews, and very close friends.

The family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Sarah “T” DeLuke and Brian Dahlem. Their love and selfless acts of service were invaluable during this very difficult time.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 pm until service time, Saturday, June 14 at Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1515 S College Ave, Bryan, Texas with a Celebration of Life following at 2:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request that donations be made to Knitted Knockers Support Foundation, 1405 Fraser St. #F103, Bellingham, WA 98229 (knittedknockers.org/donations/) or to MD Anderson Cancer Center, PO Box 4486, Houston, TX 77210-4486 (gifts.mdanderson.org).