Tony Franklin Smart

Tony was born on May 27, 1960, along with his twin sister to Coley Franklin Smart and the late Elsie Mae (Cain) Smart. He was born in Gorman, Texas but grew up in several towns including Big Springs and Bowie. He graduated from Bowie High School. After working for several years, he decided to join the Navy where he served for six years. He often joked he was stationed in Hawaii but did not see much of the island because he was on the ship for most of his assignment. After his military service he became a father to Daniel. While working at FMC in Stephenville as a Machinist in the bend department he met Opal Christine Lankerd. They eventually got married and moved to Fort Worth for several years. During his time in Fort Worth, he worked at Motorola and enjoyed working in technology. Tony and his family, now consisting of two sons, decided to settle in Abilene in 2002. He soon began working as a contractor through NOAA Weather Service as a Field Technician and Team Lead. He traveled to numerous areas and made some fun memories along the way.

He will be remembered for his unique sense of humor, doing things his way, and making memories with his family. Tony was very intelligent and loved technology. He also enjoyed music and learned to play the guitar by ear.

He was preceded in death by his mother; paternal and maternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

He is survived by his wife, Opal Smart; sons, Daniel Nickols and his wife Mirenda Taylor, Nathan Smart and Travis Smart; his father, Coley Smart; his twin sister, Tonya Denton and her husband Roy; brothers, Markus Smart and Waylon Smart and his wife Wendy; nieces and nephews, Tenaya Winkelman, Coley, Savannah, Keri and Levi Smart; his uncle and best friend, Johnny Williams and Aunt Juanita Crouch.

The family will gather at a later date when will be laid to rest at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene.