Neal Lavaughn Smith

Neal Lavaughn Smith 78, passed away Sunday July 3rd, He was preceded in death by his parents, Reuben and Vera Smith, sister Mary Freda Roush, brother Rudolph Allen Smith, his former wife Sue and daughter Natalee Smith. Neal was born on October 28, 1937 in Wickett, Texas to Reuben R and Vera G Smith. He grew up in a loving Christian family. Neal and his family were avid sportsmen and enjoyed competitive pistol shooting. Blue Quail hunting in the days when the Permian Basin was the Blue Quail capitol of Texas was one of his favorites, his mother’s quail recipes was a family favorite. Neal was a star tennis player representing MHS at State. He served his country in the National Guard, later attending Sul Ross University in Alpine, where he was active in Theater and earned his BS in 1960. Post college, he gave back to his community as a Teacher in the Del Rio District and later in the Ysleta District in El Paso until 1989 when he retired from teaching. Neal was a creative artist and talented actor. He was selected as an extra with a speaking role in the Hollywood film, ‘The Border’, staring Jack Nicholson and filmed in the El Paso area. He loved to draw and paint in several mediums. During his retirement he and his wife Viola raised championship Poodles and loved to fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ at Eastridge Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife Viola May (Mills) Smith of 28 years, son Neal L. Smith II, his wife Lisa and their son Allen Smith from Austin, TX. One sister, Reba McCormick from Las Cruces, NM and two brothers Ronnie L Smith and wife Jean, Mike D. S. Smith and wife Theda, from Arlington, TX., and numerous extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastridge Church of Christ, PO Box 371514, El Paso, Texas 79937. Memorial Service will be at 2pm Saturday July 30th at F.D.A. Martin East. www.funerariasdelangel.com/martin-east