Phillip Paul Smith's Obituary
Phillip Paul Smith was born on November 29, 1942, and peacefully stepped into heaven March 12, 2025, while surrounded by his children praying him into heaven. We are certain he was greeted upon his arrival by Jesus Christ and his beloved wife Pat.
Phil was born in Shreveport, Louisiana to L. Paul and InaGene Smith. The family soon moved to Longview, Texas where he attended and graduated from Pine Tree High School in 1961. Phil joined the National Guard after high school and was called into active duty with the army for a short time. He received an honorable discharge from the army December 31. 1968. He worked for his father’s business Glo Incorporated until 1984 at which point he opened his own insurance business, Phillip P Smith Insurance. He retired in 2007 only to be busier than ever volunteering within the community.
Phil was one of a kind and you loved him for who he was. He was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to so many. He was a leader in the community and involved in many organizations and activities. Phil was an active member of the Longview Greggton Rotary Club and won an award for perfect attendance for over 50 years. He was a member of the Pine Tree Masonic Lodge for many years where he served as president and treasurer throughout those years. He was an active member of the Singing Men of East Texas. He also volunteered at Pine Tree ISD for many years as a mentor to several young men. One of his favorite places was Parkway Fitness Club, currently known as View Point Community and Fitness. He could be found here most mornings enjoying half of a breakfast sandwich along with a cup of coffee visiting with friends. Phil was an active member of Grace Bible Church in White Oak, Texas for many many years.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, L Paul and InaGene Smith; his siblings Gene Smith, Cissy Bullard, and Steve Smith; nephew Stan Smith; and the love of his life, Patricia Ann (2018).
Phil is survived by his children Michael (Suzanne) Smith, Paula (Todd) BonDurant, Teresa (Bryan) Owen; grandchildren Alyssa Dyer, Amber Lee Guinn, Joshua Owen, Spencer Smith, Gregory Dyer, Tucker Smith, Kayla Wilson, Olivia Restine, Gracen BonDurant, and Jonah Owen; great grandchildren Jack Rolen, Macie and Cooper Guinn, Maya Davidson, Charleigh, Holdan, Maddox, Ella Owen, Slade Wilson, and Ryder Restine; as well as numerous nephews and nieces.
Phil’s love for his family was unwavering and deep. He taught us the importance of Christ, how to respect others, to work hard, to be leaders and set a continual example of how to serve others.
A celebration of Phil’s life will be held at Rader Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 18. Visitation with the family is scheduled for 9:00 AM followed by the service at 10:00 AM in the chapel.
Phil loved life and always lived it to the fullest. If you knew Phil, you knew where his heart was … focused on Jesus Christ. His greatest concern was for your soul and where you would live out eternity. He always loved to study and talk about God’s Word. His life verse was Isaiah 41:10 “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
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