Paul John Smith Jr.

Paul J. Smith, Jr., age 80 of Seguin, passed away on August 1, 2017. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 8, 2017 at Goetz Funeral Home from 5 to 9 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Seguin. Interment will follow at San Geronimo Cemetery. A reception will follow at St. James Family Center.

Paul was born on July 4, 1937 in San Antonio to Pete and Frankie Smith of Seguin. He graduated from Seguin High School in 1955. He served as a Paratrooper in the United States Army for 4 years. After being honorably discharged, he attended Texas A&I and graduated in 1967. He went on to obtain his Master’s Degree from Trinity University and also spent time performing with The Dallas Theater Center.

He worked for several years at the Mayan Dude Ranch in Bandera as Head Wrangler. Mayan and Bandera would remain close to his heart and a place he loved to visit throughout his life. He also loved spending time in Corpus whenever possible.

In 1978 he moved to Ohio and took a position at Sinclair College where he served as Instructor and Theater Manager. After retiring from teaching, he moved back to Seguin. He always thought of Seguin as his hometown.

Always an adventurous spirit and up for anything, he once jumped from the bridge in Max Starcke park while having a friend film him……..during a flood, of course. His parents had no idea this had happened until he showed them the footage. No doubt they were thrilled.

Paul has maintained life-long friendships, which he always cherished. He has remained close to family, including his Sister, Daughter, Granddaughter, several Nieces and Nephews, as well as Great Nieces and Nephews. They were kind enough to share some wonderful memories of him:

“Uncle Butch was the guy who always brought us dried sausage, fall asleep on Grandma’s couch most holidays and family get-togethers, and was able to catch rattlesnakes in his flip flops”. –Otto and Lucas, Great-Nephews

“I always remember the Christmas where he gave me a jar of weird flavored pickles. He always knew how to make my cousins and I laugh with his crazy gifts. He always kept up with what we were doing even if we hadn’t seen him in a while.” – Pete, Great-Nephew

It is safe to say that he was loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

He will remain in our hearts as a beloved Father, Brother, Grandfather, Uncle and loyal friend.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Bauer, John Gueldner, Scott Hicks, Lucas Gueldner, Otto Gueldner and Utah Hicks.

He is survived by a Sister: Bettie Jo Bauer, Daughter: Adrienne Gagliano, Granddaughter: Avery Regan, Niece: Nancy Gueldner, Nephew: John Bauer, Nephew: William Bauer and several Great Nieces and Nephews.

Arrangements are entrusted to Goetz Funeral Home, Seguin, TX