Erling "Smitty" Smith

Erling "Smitty" Smith, age 91, of Port Lavaca, Texas passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Visitation will be held Saturday, August 3, 2024 from 10-11AM at Richardson Colonial Funeral Home, followed by a graveside at 11:30AM at Olivia Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Nicholas Smith, Marshall Smith, Nathan Smith, Evan Smith, Colton Williams and Danny Zenero. Honorary pallbearers are Auguste Hixson and Jack McKelvy.

Smitty was born February 21, 1933 in Danevang, Texas to the later Hans and Kirstine Smith. He served in the United States Army from 1954-1957. Afterward, he began his career at Alcoa where he worked for 41 years. He was an avid fisherman who knew all the honey holes in and around the Olivia area. He was often sought out to repair a reel or tell someone where to catch fish. He generously shared his secrets. Smitty also enjoyed league bowling for many years and was secretary of the Calhoun County Men’s Bowling Association for much of that time. When young he loved playing softball and later umpired many Little League ball games. He would never turn down a game of bridge or dominos. His family would fight over who got to be his partner in a hot game of dominoes.

Smitty is survived by his wife, Estelle Annetta Smith; sons, Glenn Smith (Anita) and Gary Smith (Dina); sister, Ane Marie Farthing; brothers, Harold Smith (Bernadette) and Henry "Chi Chi" Smith; grandchildren, Nicholas Smith (Erin), Marshall Smith (Lindsey), Nathan Smith, Jillian Williams (Colton), Evan Smith, Kara Hixson (Auguste) and Jennifer Zenero (Danny); great-grandchildren, Camille Smith, Rylee Smith, Audry Smith, Logan Smith, Mattilynn Williams, Addisyn Williams, Brooklynn Hixson, Jace Zenero and Audrey Zenero; and step-great-granddaughter, Kendyl Smith.

Smitty was preceded in death by his father, Hans Smith; mother, Kirstine Smith; sister, Mary Smith; brother, Egon Smith; and grandson, Matthew Smith.

Thoughts and memories may be shared at www.richardsoncolonial.com.