Earl DeLay Smith, Jr.

Earl DeLay Smith, Jr.

March 24, 1941 – November 17, 2019

Earl left us very unexpectedly on Sunday, November 17, 2019. He was born to Earl and Elizabeth Smith in Bellville, Tx.

Earl graduated from John H Reagan High School, joined the Air Force and went to work for Southern Pacific Railroad where he stayed for over 40 years. Dancing, girls and fast cars were the way he passed his time.

One December night he met a girl named Dianne Andreski by happenstance. They danced that night away and many more. The waltz was his favorite. They became members of the Esquire Ballroom Regulars and frequented the Stardust Ballroom which was located on South Main just to waltz the night away.

Throughout this time, he was a member of the Go Texan Tail Riders and rode in the Salt Grass Tail Ride for many years. That lead him to join the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo of which he was a lifetime member.

On October 18, 1968 he married Dianne. He was often teased that he married her because she worked for Delta Airlines and he would get a free pass to anywhere he wished to travel. His favorite way to spend a 3-day weekend was to travel to Las Vegas or Montego Bay, Jamaica.

July 5, 1982, when their son Earl (Scooter) Smith III was born, was an answer to their prayers. He was a proud father.

His sister, Peggy Jo Smith Russell, lost her battle with Alzheimer’s, Feb. 21, 2018. After seeing her slowly decline, his wish was to leave this earth quickly. His wish was granted.

Earl may be gone but he will live in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at the Cypress- Fairbanks Funeral Home, 9926 Jones Rd., Houston, Tx, on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 2pm. Dress casually. In lieu of flowers contributions to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (LLS.org) would be appreciated. 

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