Kim Avery Smith

Services for Kim Avery Smith, 66, of Tyler will be held Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 10 A.M. at Lloyd James Funeral Home with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family welcomes visitors Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at Lloyd James.

Kim passed away surrounded by family and friends Friday evening, September 2, following a brief valiant battle with cancer.

Kim was born March 25, 1956 in Dallas, Texas to Eleanor and Averyt Smith. In 1965 Kim’s parents moved to Tyler to raise him and his adoring older sister Debbie. Kim graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1974 where he was successful in both the classroom and multiple sports.

Kim attended Abilene Christian University after high school, but after his first year, circumstances deemed he return to Tyler. He remained committed to attaining advanced degrees and would go on to receive from Tyler Junior College an Associate of Arts, Business Administration; from the University of Texas at Tyler a Bachelor of Science, Safety Engineering; and ultimately from there too, a Master of Science, Safety Engineering. Learning was important to Kim and something he passed along to others.

On May 23, 1987 Kim married his beautiful wife Sharon. Through their 35 years together they pursued many passions, most of which centered around their love of horses and dogs, gardening as well as their talent for home decorating. In marrying Sharon, Kim happily accepted the role of being a parent to Rachel and Scott. He cherished his role and they cherished his influence and constant encouragement. His value on their lives is truly immeasurable. He was also enjoying his role as “Pa” to his 4 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Professionally, Kim used his specialized understanding of safety across multiple industries. Highlights include starting an oil and gas business, Classic Productions, alongside his father in the early 80’s. He transitioned that into becoming one of the nation's prominent railroad accident investigators. He would then join the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler overseeing safety for 10 years.

In 2000, as empty nesters, they moved to Houston where he was recruited to join the City of Houston. After many successful years with they city he would spend his final few years in Houston helping multiple friends improve the safety programs in the private sector.

While in Houston he and Sharon made many new friendships and created a great life, living in League City, the Galleria area and Conroe over their nearly 20 years there. Needing space and an escape from the City, they bought their farm in Trinity, Texas. They would spend most weekends there with friends and family coming to visit much of the time.

In 2018, they returned to Tyler to be near family. They searched for the perfect spot, and would acquire property across the road from Scott and Misty’s ranch. He had already completed many projects making it home. Kim had big plans for his new barn, and even just a few weeks prior to his passing, he was busy clearing fence lines and putting in raised beds for their gardens and fruit trees.

With Kim’s return to Tyler he would join his final work family, Hibbs Hallmark. We thank them as they have been caring and supportive during this difficult time.

Kim is survived by his wife Sharon of Tyler; children, Rachel Howard and her significant other Chris Richardson of Denton; J Scott Herod and wife Misty of Tyler; grandchildren Brandon Howard and wife Amanda of Whitehouse; Landon, Kate and Winnie Herod of Tyler; 5 great grandchildren; sister Debbie Fromm and husband Dick Fromm of Midlothian; loving nieces Heidi Fromm of San Francisco Ca, Amy Clark of Midlothian, Judi Bagwell of Houston; very special family friend Jannet Allen of Dawsonville Ga; many additional wonderful cousins and extended family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.