Willie Smith

Willie Floyd Smith, 85, died at his home on Wednesday, October 5th, 2016, surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and uncle.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 PM on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Krestridge Funeral Home, 505 Austin Street, Levelland, TX 79336. Funeral Services will be at Fifth Street Baptist Church, 1009 5th Street, Levelland, TX 79336 at 10 AM Saturday, October 8, 2016.

Floyd was born on January 4, 1931, to Lee Monroe and Iona Beatrice (Boggs) Smith in Bixby, OK. The family moved to Whiteface, TX, where he graduated from Whiteface High School in 1948. He married the love of his life, Norma Dean Read on December 20, 1949. They were married for 65 years, until her passing in 2015. Much of his heart died that same day.

Floyd worked as a Roustabout, Pumper, and Production Foreman for Dekalb Energy Company (aka DEPCO) for 42 years, retiring in 1990. His focus went beyond just being a supervisor, he was also a teacher that molded young workers into men. He was respected for being more than just a boss. His work ethic was second to none. He believed that you stayed with the job until it was finished properly, no matter how long it took, or what the conditions were. He demanded that things be done the right way, and expected that from his staff, as well as the contractors that worked for him. There were no shortcuts.

His pride and joy were his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of all of them, and a pushover when it came to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Floyd never met a stranger or turned down an opportunity to tell a good story, with a perhaps a little embellishment. He laughed often and made others do the same. He was also always up for a game of dominoes. He could pretty much tell what dominoes you had after you played your first one, then he had you.

Floyd was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Beatrice Williford, and last year by his wife, Norma.

He is survived by his children, Sue Edwards, of Levelland, Nancy Swain (Frank) of Levelland; and Bobby Smith (Sabrina) of Midland. Also his grandchildren, Jason Edwards (Danielle), Melissa Young (Jeff), Michael Swain (Mary Jo Ramharter), and Matthew Swain (Abi); great-grandchildren, Jadan Edwards, Alexandra and Samantha Young, Matthew, Nathan, Zachary, Jacob, and Mason Swain. He is also survived by brothers Leon Smith, Holice (Nancy) Smith, and sister Edith Bryant, along with in-laws Dale (Jenny) Read and Myrlene Read, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom adored him beyond description.

The family would like to express their thanks to Dr. Todd Rose and the caring staff at the Heart of Lubbock Dialysis Center. They helped prolong his life to see the family continue to grow, and make no mistake, he loved his family. Further, the family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or the charity of your choice, in his name.

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

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