Travis Smith

The family of Travis J. Smith wishes to share the information on his recent death and funeral arrangements with all who knew the family in Groesbeck and the surrounding area. 

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Hamil Family Funeral Home in Abilene, and you may visit his obituary on their website (www.hamilfamilyfuneralhome.com) to leave messages of condolence for the family.

Travis J. Smith passed away Wednesday, October 28th at 6:55 p.m. at Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene, Texas. He was 95. 

Burial will be held at Criswell Cemetery in Falls County, Texas on Monday, November 2nd at 11:00 am.

 A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, December 5th at 11:00 at the Oldham Lane Church of Christ in Abilene. 

Travis was born in Decatur, Texas on July 28, 1931, to Malissa and Carl Smith. Following the death of this mother he was raised, from age 2, by his aunt and uncle, Nettie and Malcolm Smith of Groesbeck, Texas.

It was there that he met and fell in love with Maxine Stone. Maxine and Travis were married on September 10, 1949. They loved each other in marriage for almost 70 years. They had four children, Lesa, Sandy, Gary, and Tim, all of whom they adored.

Travis was a veteran of the Korean war. After returning from his military service, he attended and graduated from Abilene Christian University. He was a long-time educator, having served as a teacher, coach, and school administrator. He retired as superintendent of Schools from Mart, Texas where he was respected and loved by the community. He also served as an elder at the Mart and Oldham Churches of Christ.

Travis's life was committed to his family and to the church. He placed God before any other priority of his life. He lived according to simple Biblical truths and American ideals: treat others the way you want to be treated; whatever you do, do it well; in everything, act with integrity; if you are given much, much is expected of you; work hard; don't complain; take responsibility for your own actions; be generous; treat others better than yourself; love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; love your neighbor as yourself. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, loyalty, and grace.

Travis is preceded in death by his parents, Nettie and Malcolm Smith and his wife, Maxine. 

He is survived by his children, Lesa Reese and husband Jack of San Antonio, Sandy Mertens of Waco, Gary Smith and wife Pam of Waco, and Tim Smith and wife Debbie of Abilene; eight grandchildren, Tiffany Chambers and husband Adam, Kassie Sweet and husband Ryan, Russell Mertens and wife Kelleigh, Jana Powell and husband Jentry, Mindy Smith, Marci Frias and husband Jon, Tori Smith, and Ethan Smith and wife Daysha; eight great grandchildren, Brinlee, Evan, Jackson, Merick, Beckett, Nico, Julian, Autumn, Jaci, Carley, Ayla, Remi, and Ember.