Eldon “Ted” Smith, 1925–2019
Eldon Rhea (Ted) Smith, age 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 14, 2019, in Lubbock, Texas. He was surrounded by his friends and family at the time of his passing.
A funeral service was held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Spur, Texas, with Rev. Rory Mosley officiating. Pallbearers were Allen Hull, Benjamin Taylor, Tommy Vega, Ronnie Bilberry, Ronnie White, and Peyton Rhea Hull. Honorary pallbearers were Winston Fitzgerald, Jerry Smith, John Schmidt, and Jeff Moore.
Ted was born on May 17, 1925 in Spur to William P. Smith and Alice Smith. He attended Spur High School, graduating in 1942. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Fay Chapman Schuessler, on October 10, 1942. They were married almost 70 years when the Lord called her home in March 2012.
Ted served as music director, chairman of the deacons, and church treasurer for Bethel Baptist Church in Spur. By trade Ted spend almost 40 years as a butcher for the community of Spur.
Ted is survived by daughters Martha Pickens and Dortha Berry; granddaughter Dania Vega and husband, Tommy Vega; granddaughter Melanie Hull and husband, Alan Hull; granddaughter Paula Taylor and husband, Benjamin Taylor; great-grandchildren Melisandra Vega, Britten Hull, Hannah Vega, Peyton Hull, Jennings Taylor and Marshall Taylor; brother Rev. Bill Smith and his wife, Fran Smith; sister Nell Criswell and late husband Rev. James A. Criswell; foster daughter Elaine Smith and husband, Jerry Smith; foster granddaughter Michelle Smith; foster granddaughter Catherine Moore and husband, Jeff Moore; foster great-grandchildren Ashtyn Cornett, Nicholas Moore, Gage Cornett and Megan Moore.
Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Fay Smith; parents; siblings Nolan Smith, Lavern Holder; son-in-law Marshall Berry; brother-in-law James Criswell; and foster granddaughter Kristi Cornett.
Ted led a blessed life based on faithfulness to the Lord. We know he is singing praises in the presence of his Heavenly Father now.
The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and and kindness shown to them during their hour of bereavement. Online condolences may be made at www.zapatafuneralhome.net.
