Jack Gray Smith

THE ABILENE REPORTER NEWS

MONDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1943

COLORADO CITY ~~ Funeral for Jack Gray Smith, prominent rancher and long time resident of Mitchell County was held at Kiker Chapel in Colorado City at 2 p.m. Sunday, with the Rev. Dick O’Brien, former Baptist pastor, now of Big Spring, officiating.
Mr. Smith died suddenly in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Bryan Lawlis in San Angelo Christmas eve night of a heart attack.
Born in Robinson County, November 11, 1881, Mr. Smith came to Mitchell County with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Smith in June, 1883. He was educated in the Colorado City schools and as a young man worked in a grocery store. He also worked in the now closed Colorado National bank.
Mr. Smith was married in 1909 to Mary Dickson of Robinson County and that year worked for the state and federal government as tick eradicator for West Texas. He was elected tax assessor of Mitchell County in 1911 and beginning in 1937 he served six years as county commissioner. For a number of years, Mr. Smith served as secretary of the local school board and had worked every fall as an accountant in the City National Bank up until his death.
Mr. Smith was a member of the Masonic lodge, WOW, Council and Chapter, a Masonic organization, and the Baptist Church.
Survivors include his widow; three daughters, Mrs. Lawlis, Mrs. Charles Donaldson of Big Spring and Mrs. John A. Murrell of Fort Worth; two sisters, Mrs. Hunter Looney of Loraine and Mrs. Lena Mann of Colorado City; one brother, Coleman Smith of Big Spring and five grandchildren.
Masonic graveside rites were held with active pallbearers George Staton, Les Terry, Joe Smoot, Douglas Burns, Charles Thompson, John Holt, A. F. King and J. A. Sadler.