Francis Gene Smith

Francis Gene Smith was born Wednesday, May 13, 1931 in Santa Anna, Texas to Richard and Cora Smith. Gene graduated in 1948 from Santa Anna High School. He grew up in the Baptist church, leading the choir throughout high school and worked at the local drug store as a soda jerk.

Gene served in the United States Air Force for four years. He was stationed in France for two years during the Korean War and his time there sparked his love of traveling. He graduated from the University of Texas in 1957 with a Bachelor in Business Administration. While attending U.T. in Austin, he worked for the Texas School for the Deaf and served as President of Delta Sigma Pi.

Gene married the love of his life, Neva Jean Rehm, on October 11, 1958 in Rockwood, Texas. He then worked for thirty-five years at Johns Manville as an award winning salesman.

Beyond family time, Gene loved to paint. He was an avid and accomplished painter across many mediums. The walls and hallways in his home are filled with paintings, but what really makes us smile are the special pictures and cards he created for family and friends. Gene loved to travel anywhere, from Victoria, Texas to Paris to Hong Kong and everywhere in between. Gene never met a stranger and loved everyone. He was always singing and had music in his heart. He was a member of The Heights Church in Richardson, Texas and was most recently part of the Eagles Fellowship Group.

Gene passed away May 16, 2016 at his home in Richardson, Texas peacefully surrounded by family after celebrating his 85th birthday. He will truly be missed and remain forever in our hearts.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Glenn Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-seven years, Neva Smith; three sons, Jeff Smith and his wife, Mariana, Greg Smith and his wife, Lil and Todd Smith and his wife, Alexa; four grandchildren, Anca, Will, Ali, and Dean; a host of nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society www.cancer.org/donate or your charity of choice.