Wayne Smith

Wayne was born in Dallas, Texas on October 20, 1944, to C.W. and Louise Smith. The family moved to El Paso when Wayne was 5 and his brother Steve was 9. He attended several schools in El Paso before graduating from Bel Air High School in 1962. He excelled in academics and sports and was chosen for All City Football and Baseball teams. More importantly, Wayne met the love of his life, Charlotte Childers, at Bel Air during their sophomore year. They have been together for 63 years, married for 59. They both attended Texas Western College (UTEP) 1962-1966, where he also played on the football team for a few years.

Wayne worked at various places, including El Paso Electric Co. and Farah Manufacturing before being accepted into the U.S. Border Patrol in 1972. His first station was Alamogordo, N.M. for 16 years, where he and Charlotte raised their two daughters, Toni and Debbie. He was then asked to help open a station in Puerto Rico in 1987. He accepted this opportunity and both he and Charlotte enjoyed the challenges and the excitement of island living as empty nesters. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he tackled the job with all that he had. Although the job could be tough, he felt rewarded with beautiful year-round weather, favorable ocean conditions for scuba diving, and the opportunity to explore a new environment and culture.

In 1990, Wayne and Charlotte returned to El Paso to the Ysleta Border Patrol Station. Wayne worked there 9 years before retiring. After retirement he worked about 6 years at El Paso Border Patrol Intelligence Center. Throughout his BP career, he received many commendations for excellence and heroism.

During their 30 years back in El Paso, Wayne and Charlotte have had the joy of seeing their daughters get married and witness the births of their 4 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter.He was also able to be a care-giver for his parents and his mother-in-law. Wayne was passionate about his family. They were at the forefront of his thoughts always; he was patient, generous, and kind, all qualities of an excellent care giver. His wife, kids, and grandkids were #1 with him. He put them at the forefront of his thoughts always. Nieces, nephews, and friends all felt like they were one of his. Need advice? Ask Wayne. Want a debate? Wayne was a formidable opponent. Help! Wayne was always there. Teased unmercifully? That would be Wayne. Got pranked? Wayne was probably behind it!

Wayne was a talented photographer who won several awards for his photos of people, flowers and butterflies. He was well-known for his stunning shots of hummingbirds in midair or feasting on flowers. He would spend countless hours waiting for the perfect shot of “his” birds with his trusty companion, Biscuit, by his side. Both the golden retriever and his best friend,Wayne, enjoyed this time together doing what they loved.

Wayne will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Charlotte Smith; his daughter, Toni Lewallen (Brian) of Choctaw, OK; their sons, Zachary Lewallen of Midwest City, OK; and Kyle Lewallen (Bre) of Edmond, OK; his daughter Debra Smith of El Paso, her daughters, Alyssa Nance (Daniel) of MO and Autumn Edwards, El Paso and great granddaughter, Alice Nance; His brother, Steve Smith (Diane) of Carlsbad, N.M.,and their sons, James, Eddie, and Steven; nieces

Tammy (Slade), Renee (Sean), Sarah (Jeff) and countless cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, C.W. and Louise Smith, his sister Evelyn Louise, and his brother Jay Dean.

A memorial service for Wayne will be held at Hillcrest Funeral Home 1060 N. Carolina Dr. El Paso, on Sunday Sept. 3 at 3 P.M. Visitation at 2 P.M. Time will be provided for sharing of stories about Wayne after the service

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hillcrestfuneralhomeeast.com for the Smith family.