Oliver W. Smith, Sr.

Oliver W. Smith, Sr was born August 23, 1934, to Charlie Smith and Jenny Hill in Waskom, TX. He was the 6th child of 8. He accepted Christ at an early age at the Morning Star Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor H.D. Gill. He later joined the Gethsemane Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Pastor P.H. Coumpy. There he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent and served on the Finance Committee as well as a Choir Member. He later joined the Bexar Street Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor T.D. Marshall, where he served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and a Choir Member.

Oliver W. Smith, Sr graduated from Lincoln High School. He later joined the United States Army. After the Army he was employed as a Delivery Driver where he met the Love of His Life – Finnell. They were married on April 1, 1965, they were married for 51 years until her death in 2016. To this union where two children were born, Oliver Jr and Gregory Paul. He was later employed by General Motors where he retired after 30 years.

Oliver W. Smith, Sr is preceded in death by his wife Finnell Smith, father Charlie Smith, his mother Jennie V. Shannon, 4 brothers – Fred Smith, Maurice Smith, Carl Lynn Smith, Herman Smith, and 1 sister – Cozean Harbert.

He is survived by two sons, Oliver W. Smith, Jr and Gregory Paul Smith Sr of Dallas, TX. Stepson, Morris Wayne Jackson of Houston, TX. One brother, Charles Smith and one sister, Gloria Dilworth both of Dallas, TX. Five grandchildren, Saneesia Hayes (Kelsey), Gregory Paul Smith, Jr, Joshua Smith, Oliver W. Smith, III and Zuri Martin. Five great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him.