Nelson Douglas Smith, 1945–2022
Nelson Douglas Smith, 76, was born September 30, 1945 in Spur, Texas, to George and Neva (Gunn) Smith. He was lovingly known as Poppy by his family and Doug by his friends and extended family. Doug passed peacefully in his favorite spot, in his chair at his home in Girard, Texas. He was getting ready to go to one of his favorite pastimes, watching his grandchildren play ball.
Doug attended Girard schools from kindergarten through high school, graduating in 1964. He then went on to Sul Ross University for the fall semester of 1964, and as he so proudly told everyone who asked, “It only took me one semester to teach THEM everything I knew.”
Doug lived his entire life in Girard, Texas. He only moved to New Jersey, joining the army to fight for his country from 1968 to 1974. While enlisted he was awarded a National Defense Service medal and a Sharpshooting Badge. After his time serving our great country, he returned home and never left. He began farming after returning home and farmed his entire life.
Doug married Rebecca Ann Davidson in 1969, and they were soon blessed with Dougie in 1969, DeeAnn in 1971 and then Gaylon in 1975.
Doug never met a stranger and was loved by all. He enjoyed hunting, sports, going on cruises, going to casinos, going to casinos on cruises, and just traveling in general. His most favorite time was spent cheering and rooting for his grandkids in whatever sport or function they were participating in. He was a devoted family man, loving his children and grandchildren like no other. He also was a great friend, who would come help at the drop of a hat. Doug very rarely missed his morning coffee with his friends, cussing and discussing, solving the world’s problems one cup of coffee at a time. He valued the true friendships he had with his hometown buddies, and spoke highly of those who were close to him.
Doug is preceded in death by both parents, George and Neva Smith. Those left to cherish his wonderful memory are his son Doug Smith and wife Angie of Lubbock; daughter DeeAnn Jennings of Brownwood; son Gaylon Smith and wife Misty of Odessa; grandchildren Tanner Jennings of Brownwood, Ashlee Jennings of Brownwood, Jake Aldape of Lubbock, and Brodee Jennings Clay of Jayton, Ashley Allen of Canyon, Aidan Waddell of Amarillo, Cuyler Waddell of Amarillo, great-grandchildren Owen and Lucas Allen of Amarillo, sister Wanda Burrow of New Home, and brother Dusty Smith of Lubbock, in addition to numerous extended family members.
A Celebration of Life was held at First Baptist Church in Spur, Monday February 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. followed by internment at Girard Cemetery. Visitation was held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Zapata Funeral Home in Spur. Pallbearers were Don Rude, Mickey Taylor, Craig “Hammer” Hager, Brett Austin, Tony Burrow and Kevin Smith.
Poppy is leaving a giant void in our hearts but with total faith we know we will be reunited again in due time. One of his favorite phrases was “Well....come go with me.” He didn’t extend this invitation this time but we will gladly come go with you when it’s our time.
