When Wesley was very young his family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana so his father could attend the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. After graduation, the family lived in several towns in Mississippi where his father pastored churches. Wesley graduated from Holly Bluff High School and then attended Hinds Junior College and LSU-Shreveport.
He began his 44-year career at United Gas Pipeline Company and then Pennzoil Corp after a merger. The last sixteen years of his career he was the administrative manager of the Pennzoil Research and Development Center in The Woodlands, Texas.
Wesley loved God, his family and life in general. He lived this out by actively serving in his church, service organizations and through numerous activities of his children and grandchildren. A member of First Baptist Conroe for 48 years, he served in many capacities with youth, children and as a deacon including a term as chairman of the deacons. He was part of a mission team that traveled to Soroti, Uganda to help construct a church. For many years he was a member of The Woodlands Kiwanis Club and served as a Key Club advisor at several local high schools. After retiring, Wesley volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. In 2011 he and his wife, Jauice, started traveling and working with Volunteer Christian Builders constructing churches and encampments across the United States. Many miles were put on their numerous campers while traveling the country participating in his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He loved being involved with them whether it be theater performances, sporting events, baton twirling competitions, wilderness camp or racing go-carts with them in the Wisconsin Dells.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jauice; sons Al Smith (Laurie) of San Antonio and Rusty Smith (Shannan) of College Station; grandchildren Sarah Price of San Antonio, Patrick Smith of Milan, Italy, Rachel Pavela (Hunter) of San Antonio and Will Smith of Haslet, Texas; great-grandson Conrad Pavela of San Antonio; sisters JoAnne Beasley of Kansas City, Missouri , Sarah Brown (Sammy) of Mantee, Mississippi and Paula Smith of Ridgeland, Mississippi; sister-in-law Elaine Kreskey (Ron) of Reedsport, Oregon; brother-in-law Charlie Montgomery of Greenwood, Mississippi; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, sister Margaret Montgomery and parents-in-law Estee and Albert Lee McNeer.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Fresenius Kidney Care, Dr Chris Chon, Dr Billy Gilbert, Dr Angela Ferguson, Devotion Hospice and many other medical staff.
Pallbearers for the service will be Douglas Scott, Stacey Thomas, Mark Ferguson, Jerry Rassamni, Brent Williams, Patrick Smith and Will Smith.
“Pop” always greeted people with a smile and was an encourager to everyone he met. Please join us in celebrating the life of Wesley Smith on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 11am at First Baptist Conroe, 600 N. Main St., Conroe, TX 77301. If you are unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed at fbcconroe.org/livestream. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to FBC Conroe Benevolence Fund. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cashnerconroe.com for the Smith family.
