Charles Sidney Smith

Charles Sidney Smith passed away peacefully at his home in Groesbeck on Tuesday evening, January 9, 2018. He was 83. Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2018, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 13, 2018 in the Groesbeck Funeral Home Chapel, with Reverend Steve Nance officiating, assisted by Chaplain Jon Honea. Burial will follow in Faulkenberry Cemetery. Pallbearers are Robert Morrison, Budge Kimble, Stewart Wharton, Ronnie Ferguson, Terry "Hoot" Gibson and Rand Bates. Born in Dallas, Texas on May 12, 1934, he moved to Groesbeck with his parents that same year and never lost his love for his hometown where, with few exceptions, he spent his entire life. His last years were spent battling Parkinson’s Disease, which had taken him from an active life of ranching and his love for the land and outdoors. Charles graduated in 1951 from Groesbeck High School, where he was a star athlete in baseball. He later attended Baylor University and lettered in that sport his freshman year. He was best known for being a “long ball hitter.” When Texas Christian University inaugurated its Ranch Management Program, he was immediately drawn to its first class and graduated in 1959 as its top student. After one year on Flat Top Ranch near Walnut Springs, Texas, owned by Charles Pettit, the benefactor of the TCU program, he moved his family back to the hometown they loved.. He worked with the Soil Conversation Service, where his land and water reclamation interest crystalized. Charles became a “bulldozer operator,” eventually owning his own business and building stock ponds, clearing land and improving pastures throughout the area. His expertise and attention to exact detail were unmatched, and he trained others who later were able to start their own business. Stories of his mastery with his large machine are near legendary. The bulldozer operation was his business but, after his family, his first love was horses, especially palomino horses with “cow sense.’ He raised some of the best working and competition horses in the area on his ranches near Groesbeck. He continued his father’s interest in Polled Hereford cattle until crossbreeding dictated change, and he used his ranch management training to assist others in their ranching programs. Charles Smith was a man who went to work early and quit late, all the time, taking care of his family and being kind to his friends. He was liked and loved by all who knew him and known to be a man you could depend on and trust. He was a quiet man, devastatingly handsome in his looks, his demeanor and his outlook on life. He never harmed anyone or any of his animals, and he expected the same from others. He was soft spoken, almost shy and a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was straight forward and you could take it to the bank. Charles Smith will be missed by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sid and Bernice Smith, who operated the Limestone Theatre and contributed much to the City of Groesbeck and the surrounding area. Also by his loving wife Shirley Tompkins Smith who was laid to rest on March 24, 2014. They were joined in marriage on November 25, 1955, and shared a long and fruitful life together. Their engagement began when she said by telephone, “For a penny, I would quit college and marry you!” Charles showed up the next morning with a penny in hand. Survivors include daughter, Susan Patricia Logan and husband, Bill of Groesbeck; son, Charles Sidney (Chuck) Smith, Jr. and wife, Becky of Groesbeck; grandchildren, Scott Charles Logan and wife, Shalyn; Chase William Logan and wife, Alicia; Lance Joseph Logan (student at Texas Tech University); Rachel Anne Smith; Sydney Nichole Reyne and husband Matt; all of Groesbeck; and Crystal Latasha Baker of Louisiana. Great grandchildren are: Laci Page Logan, Easton Blaze Logan, Nathaniel (Nate) Blake Baker, Riley Brown, Brianna Brown, Blake Andrew Elfrez, Bristol Anne Logan and MacKenliey Grace Logan. Other survivors are his brother, Larry P. Smith of Groesbeck; niece Lori Smith and husband, Jeff Donnell of Fort Worth; nephews, Larry P. Smith II and wife, Heatherly of Celina; Lee Smith and wife, Belinda of Houston; and 8 great nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family. The family wishes to thank the caretakers, Johnnie and Genny who provided care for Mr. Smith at his home.