Hershel L. Smith Jr., passed away at the age of 88 on Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.
He was born to the late Hershel L. and Ethel Bea Smith on Dec. 7, 1926, in Vernon, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his loving sweetheart, Dorothy Jean Dumas Smith; his parents; 10 siblings; son, Hershel Alan Smith; and grandson, Brandon Shayne Floyd.
He is survived by his two daughters, Dawn Daniel of Camden, and Sheila Webb of El Dorado; nine grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and one on the way.
Hershel was a loyal husband and father who liked spending time on his ranch where many family reunions were held and enjoyed. He was an avid fruit and vegetable gardener and spent a lot of time with his cattle and horses. Family continues to hold those reunions in their fondest memories. Hershel was a life-long fan of John Wayne and an avid supporter of the Atlanta Braves.
Hershel was a loyal member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has a strong testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a missionary in the work of our Lord, serving in this church as a branch president, bishop, and teacher. He shared his testimony often.
He retired after 42 years as a welder with Lion Oil/Monsanto/El Dorado Chemical, where he was a dependable and diligent employee.
He was very patriotic and was “proud to be an American.” Hershel served his country in the United States Navy during World War II. On the morning of the day he passed, Hershel was honored for his military service by local veterans.
We, as his family, know he is enjoying the best family reunion with his Savior and family, especially his loving and dedicated wife. After a graveside service attended by family and close friends, Hershel was buried Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado.
Hershel Smith’s family wishes to express appreciation to Union County Medical Center staff, Timberlane Health and Rehab staff and Life Touch Hospice for the care given to their Father/Papaw.
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.