Lanny Ross Smith

Lanny Ross Smith, age 90, of San Antonio, Texas passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Lanny was born in Parkersburg, Illinois to Ellis and Lois (Doty) Smith. He is preceded in death by his father Ellis Smith and Mother Lois (Doty) Walkington. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Nancy Sue Smith, sons Phil (Emma) Smith, Paul (Sandra) Smith, Ross (Lee) Smith, and daughter Michelle (Rudy) Arredondo, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He was born an only child on his parents small farm. Working with his father he learned to drive a tractor at 9 years old. He later worked with his dad on a drilling rig in Illinois. He was a musician and excelled at playing the saxophone through high school and college. He went on to graduate with a Degree in Zoology from Wheaton College. Upon graduation he commissioned into the US Army, where he retired at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Lanny married Nancy Sue Keller in 1957. Together they raised four children. His devotion to his family and to his Lord Jesus was evident from early on in his life. He taught his children to love the Lord and love their families. He served tirelessly as a deacon, a music director, a choir director, and many committees. You would often find him replacing the letters on the sign in front of the church or giving someone on the street money or a ride. As he continued serving Jesus, his love for country brought him to serve as an election official as well as a precinct chairman.

But the most important things to him, was Jesus and his family. He was a meek, mild, Godly man, yet he was the strongest man to those who knew him. His legacy to Christ and his country is carried on by his family’s servitude in ministry, armed service and healthcare professionals. He was truly a good and dignified man. In his final days he spent hours listening to Gospel music and singing with his family.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7