Eddie L. Smith

Eddie Lee Smith was born in San Angelo, Texas, one of ten children. He grew up in San Angelo and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943, serving in the pacific during World War II, stationed out of Long Beach, California. When home on leave, E.L. met the love of his life, Gladys Brown. After dating only 3 weeks, E.L. asked Gladys for her hand and they married at the Four Square Church on 19th Street in San Angelo, Texas on December 21, 1948. After a military career, E.L. and Gladys moved back to San Angelo, started a family and moved to Midland in 1957.

E.L. and his brothers owned a lumber business for 14 years. Then, in 1971, E.L. and his sons started Smith Brothers Pipe. They have been in business together for 41 years and have endured numerous booms and busts in the Permian Basin oil business.

E.L. has been a successful entrepreneur and a mentor to many young oil men in Midland/Odessa.

Above all things, E.L. valued family, character, country and hard work. He has passed on these values to his children and grand children. He has worked hard his whole life, and is the definition of a self-made man.

E.L. is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Gladys Smith. The couple’s greatest joy comes from their three sons, Danny, Don and Rick. Danny, his wife Connie, Don and his wife Debbie, and Rick and his wife Mary all reside in Midland. E.L. was blessed with 9 grandchildren, Stephanie Alsup and husband Mark from Del Rio, Wendy Smith of Midland, Bucky Smith and wife Donya of Midland, Andy Smith and wife Kandace of Mason, Sally Crunk and husband Dane of Midland, Wes Smith of Midland, Chris Smith and wife Alishia of Midland, Sarah Smith of Midland, and Stacy Smith of Lubbock. He was a hero and larger than life to his 15 great grandchildren.

Services will be conducted by Ellis Funeral Home. We will honor his life at a service at the Greenwood Baptist Church at 1:00pm on Saturday, May 26, 2012. Burial will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. In order to honor E.L.’s service to his country, memorials can be made to the Show of Support Hunt for Heroes Project.