Colonel James Donovon "J.D." Smith, US Army, Retired

J. D. was born on July 20, 1929, in Dallas, Texas to Stanley Archie Smith and Opal Lucille Smith. He graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Political Science. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Alabama. He married Hallie Nanette “Nita” Huffman on January 31, 1953. Afterwards, the two embarked on a sixty-year adventure together beginning in the United States Army. J.D. saw service throughout the continental United States as well as Germany, Korea and Viet Nam. Over a twelve-year period, the couple welcomed three children into their home. His children remember him as a strong father with a kind heart who encouraged them to pursue their education and goals.

J.D. was a child of the depression and the war years, with strong beliefs of family, duty, honor, and hard work. He often shared childhood memories of hunting squirrels at the Trinity River bottoms with lifelong friend Everett Thompson. A young man of limited means, J.D. worked the Texas oil-fields to pay his way through the University of Texas. While there, he gathered an amazing group of friends who would stay by his side to the very end. Given his avid interests in reading, firearms and all things outdoors, he focused his efforts at the University of Texas on the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). He excelled in that endeavor and earned his commission into the United States Army. He then began a long and rewarding adventure in the Military Police Corps. During his career the two assignments he enjoyed the most were his service in Garmisch, Germany (1958-1960) and serving as Provost Marshal at the United States Military Academy (1971-1974). J.D. retired from the Military in 1974 while Provost Marshal assigned to Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. Upon retirement, J.D. and Nita retired in Manchaca Texas, just outside of Austin. He then taught Criminal Justice at Southwest Texas State University for ten years. He and Nita also co-owned and operated the local water utility company. In 2012, J.D. and Nita moved to San Antonio, Texas and lived at the Army Residence Community.

J.D. was predeceased by his wife and “Sweetheart”, Nita Smith in May 2013. He is survived by his children, LeAnne Christensen and husband Charles of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Gray Donovon Smith and wife Judy of Kerrville, Texas; and Stanley Scott Smith and wife Paula of Houston, Texas. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Kathryn Michelle Williston and husband Greg of Collinsville, Oklahoma; Captain Derek Donovon Smith, U.S. Army, and wife Magan of Monterrey, California; Anna Elizabeth Bollinger and husband Brian of Clarkston, Georgia; Justin Cody Smith and wife Alex of Richardson, Texas and Christopher James Smith of Austin, Texas. His great grandchildren are Cash and Lydia Williston, Everett and Calvin Smith, and Simon and Samuel Bollinger. He is also survived by his half brother Steve Smith of Blytheville, Arkansas.

To honor both J.D. and Nita, a graveside service is scheduled for 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at Live Oak Cemetery, 10739-10799 Twin Creeks Road, Manchaca, TX with reception to follow. Remembrances can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

Arrangements made by Colonial Funeral Home, 625 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX 78148.

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