Homer Gene Smith

Homer Gene Smith, born on June 30, 1929, in Miller County, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2025 into the arms of his Savior at the age of 95. Homer was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Zepha Smith, his brother, Clyde Smith, and his precious grandmother, Polly Smith Fields. He is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Mary Brazell Smith; his devoted and caring daughters Pollianne Smith and Jill Smith Rodríguez (Raul) and his oldest daughter Debbie Smith Collier (Gary); his grandchildren Benjamin Rodríguez, Tyler Ferguson, Marisa Rodríguez, as well as his two oldest granddaughters Meaghan Collier (Cody Crouch) and Mandi Collier. He is also survived by his four-legged daughter, Mandy. Upon graduation from Texarkana (TX) High School (1946), Homer entered the US Navy V-5 program as a midshipman. He attended college for two years, Agriculture and Mechanical College of Texas (now Texas A & M University) and Texarkana College, before entering active duty at Pensacola NAS. Homer was released from active duty for medical reasons (he was missing two molar teeth!) and began working for Austin Shoes in Longview and Marshall. In January 1951 Homer entered the US Army and was sent to Fort Chaffee, AR for basic training and leadership school. In October of the same year, he was appointed to the Field Artillery Officer Candidate School of Fort Sill, OK. Homer was honored as a Distinguished Military Graduate (1st in his class) and was commissioned and assigned to FARTC at Fort Sill upon graduation. On September 21,1952 Homer married the love of his life, Mary Brazell. Just a short time later, December 3, 1952, he received orders for the Far East Command and departed for Japan. He was assigned to Battery C 13th Field Artillery Battalion- 24th Infantry Division in Japan, which was later ordered to service in Korea and he was the fire direction officer. Homer returned home and was relieved from active duty in October 1953. Homer received a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Accounting and minors in Math and Bible from East Texas Baptist College in May 1957. His first job post-graduation was with the Pan American Petroleum Corporation in Ft. Worth, TX. His next employment opportunity was with Thiokol Chemical in Brigham City, UT. After he decided government work was not his desire, he moved the family back to Texas and began his public accounting career with Peat Marwick Mitchell. He subsequently worked with several accounting firms, both national and local, in Texas, Colorado and Montana. Upon his final return to Texas in 1976, he began his solo CPA practice, which he owned until his retirement in 2019. His clients were more than simply clients. They became surrogate family and close friends. In June 2016 he was honored by the Texas Society of CPAs for 50 years of having his CPA license. Through the years Homer & Mary have always been active in church wherever they lived, serving as teachers and department directors, their last church being First Baptist Lancaster. Homer also served as treasurer and on the finance committees of various churches. He served on the boards of the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce (23 years) and the Top of the Cliff Club. Those who knew him well knew Homer was an avid golfer, playing courses all over the USA and Canada. For over 20 years, his regular foursome enjoyed rounds together every Friday and many Saturdays. In 2003 he got his one and only “hole in one” and could not have been more proud. He also had the privilege of playing in three Senior Tour Pro-Am Tournaments on various courses in the DFW Metroplex. Homer was also a die-hard Texas Rangers fan and was thrilled to live to see them finally win a World Series (2023) Homer and Mary enjoyed traveling throughout the USA, Mexico and Canada with their travel buddies. On their 50th anniversary they discovered cruising, and it became their passion. They went on multiple (10+) cruises, three with two of their daughters, a son-in-law and three grandchildren. During one of their early cruises, they developed a friendship with a family with whom they took subsequent cruises, including Iceland. Homer will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather and a friend whose life was deeply rooted in his faith and family values. His legacy lives on through those who cherish their memories with him. The family would like to thank their loving caregiver, Teresa DiGiacomo, for her compassionate care of Homer and Mary over the past many months and Pamela Makolo, his loving hospice nurse. Also, heartfelt thanks go to Homer’s amazing medical team including Dr. Brett Johnson, Dr. Richard Dickerman, Dr. Roberto Wahys and Dr. David Mason. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to the Methodist Hospital Guild (www.methodistguild.com) or charity of your choice. The family will receive friends on Thursday - March 06, 2025 from 9:30 - 10:30 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 305 E. Third Street, Lancaster, TX with the Funeral Service beginning at 10:30 A.M. (all on the same day) with Dr. Leroy Fenton and Dr. Dan Griffin, officiating. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the Dallas/Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX.