Perry A. Smith

Perry was born in Silsbee, Texas, on April 20, 1934, the son of James Arthur and Bessie Yawn Smith. He was educated in Silsbee schools and graduated from Sam Houston State University in 1956.

Perry married his life-long love and fellow adventurer Betsy Jane Harritt of Silsbee on February 24, 1956. They cherished 69 years together.

Perry served as a U. S. Army officer in West Germany 1956-58, commanding a company in the Second Armored (Hell on Wheels) Division. He was a captain upon his discharge from the army reserve in 1965.

He was employed by Amoco Corporation 1959-1969 in its public relations department in several U. S. locations. He joined Exxon’s public affairs department in Houston in 1969. He was public affairs manager for Exxon Pipeline Company when he retired in 1994.

Upon retirement, Perry and his wife Betsy moved to Lakeway where he spent his time golfing, boating, traveling, and serving as a volunteer in several organizations. He enjoyed all kinds of music, funny stories, good books, movies, boats, and sunsets on Lake Travis.

Perry is survived by the great love of his life, Betsy, their daughter Linda Fullbright and husband Frank of Baytown; son Scott Smith and wife Jennifer of Fanwood, NJ; grandchildren Taylor (Aimey) and Travis (Toya, fiancée) Fullbright and Bridget and William Smith; and great-grandchildren Aria and Kai Fullbright. He was preceded in death by a son, Stuart Arthur Smith of Austin, his parents, and his brother, Eugene E. Smith of Huntsville.

In keeping with Perry’s wishes, there will be only a private graveside service in Lakeway. In lieu of other remembrances, donations may be made to the Dr. Ferol Robinson Journalism Scholarship Fund, “In Memory of Perry Smith”, to Sam Houston State University, University Advancement, Box 2537, Huntsville, TX 77341-2537.

Online donations may be made at SHSU Giving (https://secure.touchnet.com/C21329_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=2585&SINGLESTORE=true) with the following guidelines:

• Gift Designation: College of Arts & Media

• Area of Support: Dr. Ferol Robinson Journalism Endowment

• Gift in Memory of Someone: Yes

• In Memory of (Name): Perry A. Smith