Danny Smith

Danny W. Smith passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2021 at the age of 74.  He was born on July 24, 1946 in Hubbard, Texas to Roger W. Smith and Frances Natelle Gauntt Smith.  Danny graduated from Hubbard High School in 1964, where he was involved in FFA.  While in high school, Danny met the love of his life, Paula Jean Copley at The Freezette.  After dating for five years, they married on January 27, 1967 in Coolidge.

Danny attended college at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree; majoring in Biology and minoring in English.  Upon graduation, he and Paula moved to Victoria, TX, where Danny taught Biology and Physical Science at Victoria High School for two years.  It was during this time that their first son, J. Scott Smith, was born.

Danny was drafted to the Vietnam War in 1970 where he proudly served in the army, 101st Airborne, for two years.  While in Vietnam, Danny earned many accolades including the Soldier of the Month award.  He was honorably discharged in 1972, happily reuniting with Paula, Scott, and the rest of his family.

Danny quickly embarked on a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, working in Houston for a laboratory producing pharmaceutical reagents. It was in Houston that Danny and Paula welcomed their second and third sons, Gregory C. and Brian Andrew, respectively.  Danny’s career also moved the Smith family to Ft Lauderdale, FL contributing to cancer research, and later to Round Rock, TX where he worked for Abbott Labs as a Validation Engineer.

Danny was a devoted husband and father, involved in many of his sons’ activities; coaching baseball teams, assisting with Boy Scout troops, and driving around the United States on countless family road trips.  Danny’s devotion to the Lord was evident, giving back and participating in church activities, serving on different committees and attending Sunday School.

After retiring from Abbott Labs, Danny and Paula built a home in Mexia, TX, where they reunited with family and many old friends.  Danny expanded his love for gardening, reading, traveling the world, and spending time with family in his retired years, making many trips to visit his granddaughters to attend their school functions including orchestra/band concerts, athletic competitions, and awards ceremonies.  Danny also enjoyed spending time with friends playing cards and dominos.  He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Danny is survived by his wife, Paula Smith; brother and spouse Mickey and Anetia Smith; two sons and their spouses Scott and Whitney Smith, Brian and Jessica Smith; and three grand-daughters, Abigail Smith, Kaitlyn (and Edwin) Medina, and Reagan Smith.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roger and Natelle Smith; and son, Gregory Smith.

The funeral at Mexia Baptist Church is scheduled for Friday, January 22, 2021, at 2 PM.  He will be laid to rest at Coolidge Cemetery immediately following.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to The First Baptist Church of Mexia, 500 E. Carthage St., Mexia, TX, 76667.

Pallbearers include Cody Copley, Doug Smith, Chad Smith, Edwin Medina, Chandler Copley, Greg Moore, and Bobby Mount.

Honorary pallbearers are Gary McKinney, Ed Cox, Ken Waldrop, Jerry Arch Anderson, Binky Simmons, and Ron Fowler.