Bryan Wilbur Smith

Bryan “Bebe” Wilbur Smith went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 26, 2014 at his ranch in Centerville, TX. He was born April 26, 1927 at home in Houston, Texas to Walter A. and Esther Measday Smith. He lived in Houston until 3 years ago when he moved to his ranch outside of Centerville, Texas. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and employer.

Growing up in a family of 9 children there was lots of love and fun. He started working at his father’s business, Walter A Smith Paving Contractors, at the age of 14, and that is what he did for the next 65 years. He purchased the family business in 1969 and continued operating it until he retired. During his career, he paved most of the streets in the city of Houston at one time or another. He was a member of the Associated General Contractors and served as an officer, receiving several awards for his work over the years.

On Jan 4, 1950 he married Anna Lee Blakeway, from Kennard Texas, in Houston and they enjoyed 62 years together. In 1971 they purchased, Logos 5 Ranch, in Centerville TX where they spent almost every weekend making many memories over the next 40 years.

He loved his family and his work, but the most important thing in his life was his love for Jesus Christ. He wanted everyone to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior and witnessed often to both strangers and family members. Even when Parkinson’s disease made something as simple as walking impossible for him, he loved to sit in the car handing out tracts to people on their way into the local Wal-Mart. He was a very generous person and a wonderful father who will be greatly missed. He died doing what he loved; riding around the ranch and enjoying the beauty of God’s handiwork.

He was preceded in death by his parents and beloved wife, Anna Lee Blakeway Smith, siblings Lawrence “Sonny” Smith (Willie Mae), Walter “Bubbie” Smith, Elaine Piwetz (Ludwig), brother-in-law Jack Wier , George Webb, and sister-in-law Juanita “Nita” Blakeway Davidson.

Survivors are; daughters, Donna L Schlabach (Larry) of Centerville, Sandra J Mc Duffy (Michael) of San Antonio; siblings, Mildred (Tillie) Wier of Houston, Cora Starnes of Katy, Kathleen Castleberry (Robert) of Longview, Audrey Eckleman (Don) of Livingston, Jerry Smith (Joni) of Clear Lake; brother-in-law Thomas D. Blakeway of Colmesneil; Grandchildren, Paul Bales of Bellville, Veta Johnston (Chris) of Beach City, Leta Chapman (Tracy) of Beach City, Lanessa Howard (Matt) of Beaver Creek, OH, Litton Schlabach of Bryan, Catherine Castillo of New Braunfels, Heather Tristan (Carlos) of San Antonio, Jonathan Castillo of New Braunfels, Dustin McDuffy of San Antonio; 16 great grandchildren and many close nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are, Paul Bales, Litton Schlabach, Jonathan Castillo, Dustin McDuffy, Chris Johnston, and Tommy Davidson.

Services will be held at Forest Park Lawndale, Houston, TX. Visitation is on Monday, June 30 from 5-8 pm, funeral services on Tuesday, July 1, at 2 pm officiated by Rev Jerry I Smith. Interment to follow at Forest Park Cemetery.