Mr. Gregory Joe Smith

Gregory Joe Smith was born on January 29, 1946, in Williston, North Dakota, and passed away on December 14, 2025, in his home in Red Oak, Texas. Greg was the firstborn son of Joe Smith and Alice Elizabeth Stensland Smith and shared a close bond with his brothers, Donald “Donnie” Ray Smith, who preceded him in death in 1975, and Myron Neal Smith.

On November 5, 1966, Greg married the love of his life, Carol Howell Smith, in Lockney, Texas. The couple eventually made their home in Grand Prairie, Texas, where they raised their three daughters and built a life centered on faith and family, before retiring in Red Oak, Texas. Through his daughters, Greg became a cherished grandfather, lovingly known as “Pepaw,” to seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy.

Greg was a man of deep faith and unwavering devotion to his family. A good Christian man, his life was firmly rooted in faith, which guided the way he loved, led, and served others. Throughout his life, he faithfully served as Head Usher and a board member at Grace Temple Church, as well as a Deacon at First Assembly of God in Albany, Texas. He found purpose in service and community and raised his family in accordance with God’s word. Above all else, Greg treasured his family and took great pride in being a devoted husband, loving father, and steadfast provider until his last day.

Greg was also known by those closest to him for his strong work ethic, which defined much of his life. He began working at the age of 15 at a Piggly Wiggly grocery store before going on to own his own storefront, which he later renamed Smith’s Family Food Center. Greg remained a grocery man throughout his life, later working for Brookshire’s, Pepperidge Farm, and delivering specialty spices to grocery stores. He retired full time a few weeks before his passing. His dedication, reliability, and pride in his work were evident in everything he did, and his commitment to providing for his family never wavered.

An avid outdoorsman, Greg found great joy in spending time outside—whether pheasant or quail hunting, gardening, tinkering in his shed, working on his boat, or, perhaps most of all, fishing. He would have been on the water every day if given the chance. Being outdoors and on the water brought him a sense of peace and happiness unlike anything else. Whether by himself or sharing those moments with loved ones, Greg embraced life’s simple pleasures with gratitude and joy, thanking God for each moment spent outdoors and for every fish he caught. His love for the outdoors reflected the calm, steady spirit with which he lived his life.

Along with his brother, Donald “Donnie” Ray Smith, Greg was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Smith and Alice Elizabeth Stensland Smith, and his in-laws, Margaret Evelyn Howell and David Horton Howell. He is survived by his wife, Carol Howell Smith; his brother, Myron Neal Smith; his daughters, Tammy Smith and her husband, Chance Erwin, of Midlothian, Texas; Libby Armato and her husband, Joseph Armato, of Colleyville, Texas; and Meg Flint and her husband, Paul Flint, of Arlington, Texas; as well as his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.