H.L. Buddy Smith's Obituary
LONGVIEW - Memorial services for L.H. Buddy Smith will be at Radar Funeral Home, Tuesday, December 15th at 2:00 pm with Chaplain Wayne McKay officiating. Mr. Smith, 79, of Longview passed away Sunday, December 13, 2009, at his home surrounded by loved ones.
Mr. Smith was born on August 2, 1930 in Chicago, Ill., to Nimrod and Bessie Smith. He served in the US Air Force where he was stationed in Arizona, Mississippi and Alaska.
He married the love of his life, Mary E. Smith of Jackson, Mississippi in 1951. They had two children, Richard and Debbie. He and his family lived in Marshall until 1963, then they moved to Longview. From the mid 60's to early 70's, he volunteered as a Judo instructor, where he became a first degree black belt. He was also the assistant swimming coach for the YMCA youth age group team.
Mr. Smith worked for Continental Airlines formerly Texas Airlines and Trans-Texas Airlines in Marshall, Longview, Dallas and Shreveport. He retired after 29 years and spent his early retirement years as a gentleman rancher working on his ranch in Karnack, Texas.
In 1994, Buddy and Mary moved back to Longview to be closer to their grandchildren. He, along with two other members of his church, Summerfield United Methodist, formed a group called the Summerfield Trio and would travel to local nursing homes to sing the old gospel and country songs to the residents. Along with singing, Mr. Smith loved working with youth and volunteered at the Asbury House, where he would worked on various activities.
He is survived by wife, Mary; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jody Wesson of Longview; three grandchildren, Nick Wesson and wife Brooke; Katie Wesson; James Brian Smith and wife Dianna, all of Longview.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Nimrod and Bessie; sister, Rose Marie; and son, Richard Lee Smith.
The family would like to thank Legacy Hospice for their support, especially Susan Smith and Maria Watts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summerfield Methodist Church or The Asbury House.
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