David F. Smith, Jr.

David Floyd Smith, Jr. March 4, 1926 June 6, 2014 David Floyd Smith, Jr. 88, of Waco passed away peacefully on Friday June 6, 2014. He is remembered for his humor, his dedication and inspiration to his family and friends, and for a lifetime of service to Waco and its people. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 10, from 5:30 8:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey. A graveside service and burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 11, at Oakwood Cemetery. The family requests the honor of your presence at a memorial service to be held at Columbus Avenue Baptist Church on June 11, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. David, the fifth child of David Floyd Smith and Georgia Scott Smith, was born in Mexia, Texas, on March 4, 1926. He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Georgia; his beloved wife, Betty Jane Bradford Smith; infant grandson, Alexander Smith; sisters, Virginia Conway and Wanda Boaz; and a sister-in-law, Cora Jean Bradford. He is survived by his sons, David Bradford Smith and William Scott Smith, their wives, Karen and Connie, and six grandchildren, Georgia Lee and husband, Andy, of League City, David Charles Smith of Austin, Julia Smith of Dripping Springs, Drew McNeil and wife, Joy, of Waco, William Smith, Jr. of Boston, Massachusetts, Callie El-Halabi and husband, Khalil, of Woodway; great grandchildren, Caroline, Andrew, and Lorelai Lee of League City; sisters, Katherine Esther Halbert and Shirley Ray Weston and husband, John; brothers-in-law, Billy Bradford and Phil Boaz; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. David joined the Marines at 17 and served in the Pacific during World War II. Returning to Waco, he received his degree in business administration from Baylor University and married Betty Jane Bradford on August 29, 1948. In his work, David gained the respect and friendship of all. When he joined the City of Waco, he found his true calling and dedicated the rest of his life and energy to Waco and its people. He joined the city in 1961 as a Waco's first purchasing agent. He was promoted to Assistant Director of Public Works in 1962, Director of Finance in 1964, and assistant City Manager in 1967. In 1971 he was appointed City Manager, and he served until his retirement in 1988. His accomplishments for Waco were significant. His dedication to the City of Waco and all of its people was complete and unwavering. David Smith loved Waco, loved its people and devoted his life to making the city a better place. The family would like to thank the caregivers of St. Catherine Center. The comfort that you provided was an inspiration for us all. David's accomplishments, leadership, integrity, and humor are well known to his family and many friends. In remembrance of David's life, please share your thoughts and memories in the online Memorial Guestbook. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com