Horace "Hb" Smith

Horace Buford Smith Jr., (HB), loving husband, father and grandfather passed away peacefully in Brenham, Texas and joined the Lord on November 4, 2022 at the age of 88 after a short but courageous illness.

HB was born on September 23, 1934 to Horace B Smith Sr., and Farris Smith in Dallas Texas. HB grew up in Dallas and attended Dallas public schools. He met his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann when attending Woodrow High School, where he was a member of the ROTC.

On December 19, 1952, HB was united in marriage to the love of his life, Shirley Ann Pyle. They spent the next 70 years building a solid foundation of love and a family. HB proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in 1952. After returning home, he and Ann started their family. HB was for sure a “Girl Dad” with raising 4 beautiful daughters, Monica, Lanette, Missie and Shelly who were his pride and joy.

HB enjoyed bowling, fishing, and playing tennis in his younger years. HB and Ann loved to dance and you could find them square dancing on the weekends. They were members of the Mesquite Swingers Square Dancing Club and North Texas Square Dancing Association where he served as Vice President for several years.

After retirement from Southern Pacific Railroad, he spent most of his free time in his vegetable garden or in the garage working with his woodwork.  Above all he loved spending time with his grandchildren, family and friends, especially gatherings to watch his Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. He enjoyed his many trips to the casino.

HB is survived by his loving wife, Ann; daughters’ & son in law, Lanette Gunter, Missie and Cabin Warmke and Shelley Jackson; grandchildren, Chassity Cox, Summer Mullins, Jimmy & Britnee Mullins, Billy & Monica Mullins, Sarah Gunter & friend Mitchell, Tracy Gunter, Jake Gunter, Payton & Brooke Warmke, Caden & Daylon Warmke, Hanna Warmke and Luke Smith and friend Maddi; great grandchildren, Carly & Ryann Cox, Daniel & Rebecca Mothersell Mason and Chloe Mothersell, Matthew, Layla and Miles Mullins, Jonathan Lagunas, Jeilynn Casas, Brodie, Lilly and Adeline Mullins, Andrew & Evan Garza, Emma Cenkus, Rylan & Logan Gunter, Tate Warmke; and one great-great granddaughter, Ann Mothersell.  Sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Annette Holbrook & Bill Robertson, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter Monica Mullins, mother-in-law & father-in-law, Virgil and Lilly Pyle, brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Sonny & Pat Thompson, son-in-law, Norman Gunter, sister and his mother & father.

The family would like to thank Kruse Village Rehabilitation Center, LaRoche Manor and Hospice Brazos Valley staff for their compassionate and loving care for our loving father and grandfather.

Memorials can be given to Salem Lutheran Church.