Kirk Elliott Smith

Kirk Elliott Smith was born on May 1, 1956, in New Orleans, LA to Darrell and Donna Smith, the second of four children. In 1960 the Smith family moved to Midland, TX where Kirk became a decorated diver, winning many awards and setting records, even earning a scholarship to the University of Texas after graduating from Lee High School in 1974.

Shortly after he got to Austin, Kirk realized the love of his life, Debbie Reece, was back home in Midland. After a year at UT, Kirk returned to Midland, diving and continuing to set records at Midland College and married Debbie five months after she graduated high school in 1975.

Kirk worked as a carpenter for a few years before achieving success as a petroleum landman. The land business took Kirk and Debbie from Midland to Kentucky, West Virginia and Illinois, having four children - Ann Marie, Bryan, James and Michael - along the way. In 1987, Kirk and Debbie returned to Midland to raise their family.

Kirk was a loving and devoted husband, father, and Paw Paw. He actively participated in his children and grandchildren’s athletic and educational pursuits. Kirk was an active member of Mid-Cities Little League baseball, helping build facilities as well as coaching his three sons. He served as the President of the Midland Junior Baseball Association for a time.

Kirk was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, pilot, and golfer. He was a history buff and loved learning. Kirk passed along his passion for these things to his family; a strong work ethic, sense of community, building and tinkering, and aviation.

Kirk had an entrepreneurial spirit. Along with his land work, he owned an aviation management business, where he shared his passion for flying and traveling with Debbie. Later, returning to his carpentry roots he started a commercial construction company with many projects in Midland and DFW. His most recent venture was developing new drilling technology.

Kirk and Debbie split their time between Midland and DFW. In Midland, Kirk was a regular at Green Tree Country Club, a member of the Exchange Club, and for many years, active in PBLA. Avid sports fans, in DFW, you could find Kirk and Debbie at Rangers, Cowboys or Mavericks games. You could always count on him to have a variety or songs and playlists and Hawaiian shirt for every occasion or event.

Kirk loved spending time surrounded by his family. He loved travelling the world with Debbie, especially the Caribbean, playing a game of contract gin in each country they visited. More recently he spent time at the family ranch near Caddo, TX. He built the property for the family to enjoy with help from his beloved brother-in-law, David Reece.

On August 31, 2025, after a hard-fought battle against pancreatic cancer, Kirk stepped out of the pain and suffering of his earthly body and stepped into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior. Kirk is preceded in death by his parents, Darrell and Donna Smith. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Debbie Smith of Midland, daughter Ann Marie Smith (husband Matt Henderson), grandsons Walker and Wade Smith of Fort Worth, son Bryan Smith (wife Amanda), grandchildren Paige and Scott Smith of Midland, son James Smith (wife Kimberly), grandchildren Elizabeth and Miles Smith of Midland, and son Michael Smith (wife Leslie) of Midland. Kirk is also survived by his brother Craig Smith, of Midland, sister Christine Vest (husband Steve) of Leona, TX, sister Shelley Smith (husband Najam Hasan) of Aledo, TX, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Kirk was loved and respected by those who had the privilege to know him and call him husband, Dad, Paw Paw, brother and friend. He will be missed more than words can express.

Join us to celebrate Kirk’s life well-lived on September 16th at 11 am at Ellis Funeral Home, 4616 North Big Spring Street, Midland, TX 79705, followed by a reception from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM. To reflect the brightness Kirk brought into our lives, we invite you to wear something color as we celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Kirk’s honor be made to American Cancer Society or PanCan.org.