Funeral services for Ernest Smith, 68, of Athens are scheduled for 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Bishop officiating. Interment will follow at Rome Cemetery near Athens.
Mr. Smith passed away on Oct. 19, 2014 in Tyler, Texas.
Ernest Ray Smith was born Dec. 2, 1945 in Austin, Texas the son of Elva Ray Smith and Edith Marie Hubble Smith. He joined the Air Force in 1965 and served the United States with pride becoming a Sargent before being honorably discharged. Ernest was a firefighter to the core. He was a Volunteer Fire Instructor at the Texas A&M Fire Academy for many years. He began his career as a fireman in 1976 with the Shady Oaks Volunteer Fire Department and soon became Chief in 1977 where he remained until his retirement. “Pops” loved sitting on the front porch enjoying time with friends and family. He was a loving father, brother, grandfather and will be missed by all he knew and loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister Edith Ray Smith.
He is survived by his son, Rickey Smith and wife Jacqulyn of Brownsboro; daughter, Laura Wiggins and husband Tony of Van; one brother Jack Smith of Athens; four grandchildren, Shelby Smith, Toby Smith, Kyle Wiggins, Reagan Smith; three great grandchildren, Kaden Smith, Easton Wiggins, Braxton Wiggins and numerous cousins.
A visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014 at the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home in Athens.
Pallbearers will be Chad Chadwick, Tres Winn, John McMakin, Doug Tucker, David Williams and Tommy Stokes. Honorary pallbearers will be all past and present firefighters.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Hannigan Smith Funeral Home Family of Athens, Texas.
You may write condolences or light a memorial candle at: www.hannigansmith.com
So sorry for your loss.