Arthur Norbert Smith

Born on the 6th of June 1920, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Smith attended Jesuit High School and Loyola University where he received his B.S. in Chemistry. He was an honor student and enjoyed learning his entire life. Arthur spent the early part of his career with Shell Oil (Royal Dutch/Shell) at the NORCO Refining/Chemical complex. When World War II intervened, Arthur served as a pilot and lieutenant in the Navy, flying numerous missions in PB-Y aircraft protecting convoys over the North Atlantic.

Following the war, Arthur returned to Shell Chemical where he excelled in personnel management including assignments in New York, New Orleans, and Houston with Shell’s Saudi Arabian joint venture. He retired from Shell in 1984.

Arthur met Lily “Belle” Streckfus in New Orleans in 1950. They had an instant connection of mind and thought and married in October of the same year. Over 62 years of marriage Arthur and Lily made many good friends, hosted joyful parties, enjoyed lively discussions of politics, religion, and current events, worked together on countless home and garden projects, and enjoyed the success, achievements, and milestones of their family with wonderful celebration dinners. They traveled the world but Arthur most enjoyed time together with family and friends at their homes in Houston and Galveston.

Arthur – already dearly missed – was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. We remember him as a wonderful storyteller and patient teacher. Respected for his sharp mind and quick wit, Arthur is above all remembered as a gentleman.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Lily Streckfus Smith; and sister, Shirley Smith Herbert of Atlanta; his two children, Arthur Lawrence Smith; and Ellen Smith Brown and her husband David Keith Brown; his six grandchildren: Erin Smith Ahrens and husband Matthew Harrison Ahrens; Dustin Arthur Smith; Katherine Lily Brown; Allison Lauren Smith; Roy Michael Smith; and Caroline Isabel Brown, and by one great-granddaughter, Brooke Charlotte Ahrens.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until eight o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 8th of August, in the Library and Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

The memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 9th of August, in the Texas Liberty Mausoleum Chapel of Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment service at the cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030.