Stephen James Smith

Stephen James Smith, 79, of Alto, New Mexico, entered into the loving arms of Our Father on the 17th of September 2022.

Steve was born on December 30, 1942 in Dallas, Texas to Bill H. Smith and Louise Wilkinson Smith. In 1951, Steve and his family moved to Slaton, Texas where his father began his Ford dealership career. The car business became a family affair in 1952 when Slaton Motor Company became Smith Ford.

Steve graduated Slaton High School in 1960 and attended West Texas State College, earning his Bachelor’s Degree before joining his father in the dealership as Vice-President. Steve became Dealer Principal when his father retired in the late 70’s. Steve carried on Bill’s legacy, serving Slaton and the surrounding communities with integrity until his retirement in 1994.

As he built upon the foundation for Smith Ford, (now Smith Auto Family), Steve showed steadfast love, kindness, and good humor as a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Throughout his lifetime and until the very end, Steve served on numerous industry, church and community boards holding many leadership positions. Through the years many have benefited from his quiet, yet wise counsel.

Steve lived a joy-filled life. He was a great friend to many. He loved to travel and rarely missed an opportunity to best someone on the golf course or ski slopes. He was a man of few words and countless talents. Friends far and wide described him as dependable and true. He loved his family deeply, rarely missing any family milestones or celebrations.

Steve is preceded in death by his father, Bill Smith, and his mother, Louise Smith. He is survived by his sister, Sharon Swanner Limmer; daughter, Annette Sykora and her husband Patrick of Levelland; daughter, Susan Tant of Wolfforth; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Haylee Boyd, her husband, Zachary, and their children, Fischer and Collins; Nicole Campbell, her husband, Tell, and their children, Morgan and Clara; Hannah Grigsby, her husband Ian, and their daughter, Sloan; Holden Sykora; and Ryan Sykora.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 at 2:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Levelland, Texas.

In lieu of flowers the family recommends donations be made to Weekend Snack Sack Program in Slaton, Bill’s Backpacks Levelland, Snack Pack 4 Kids Plainview or your favorite charity.

https://www.facebook.com/wsspslaton/

https://www.billsbackpacks.org/

https://sp4k.org/

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Krestridge Funeral Home.  (806) 897-1111