Reece Edward “Ed” Smith, 71, longtime resident of Orange, passed away Monday, January 6, 2014, at his home in Orange surrounded by his family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 1pm, Thursday, January 9, 2014, at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Orange with Reverend Tom Phelan officiating. Entombment will follow at St. Mary’s Mausoleum in Orange.
Visitation will begin at 5pm, Wednesday at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange with a Rosary recited at 7:30pm.
Born in Pitkin, Louisiana, on October 30, 1942, Ed was the son of Reece and Honor Lee Smith. He graduated from West Orange High School and worked as an electrician with IBEW 479 from 1966 until he retired in 2001. Ed served as President of Orange County Water and Improvement District 2 and was involved in the Knights of Columbus; serving as Grand Knight as well as, District Deputy and was recognized as one of the top 5 District Deputies in the State of Texas. Ed and his wife, Juanita, were founding members of the Orange Mardi Gras and were recently named Grand Marshal.
He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father-in-law, Louis and Melba Duhon; and brother, Terry Wayne Smith.
Ed is survived by his wife of 49 years, Juanita Smith; sons, Ed Smith and wife Kathy of Orange, Wade Smith and wife, Julie of Orange; grandchildren, Casey Smith, Shelby Smith, Chloe Smith, Colton Smith, Cade Smith, Reece Smith; sister-in-law, Charlotte Alford and husband, Joe; sisters, Ann Smith of Orange, Joan Gallas of Bullard, Judy Sneed and husband, Clyde of Mont Belvieu; brothers, Robert Smith and wife, Cherry of Buna, Harold Smith and wife, Penny of Tucson, Arizona, Lynn Smith and wife, Renee of Orange, Rusty Smith and wife, Pam of Bridge City, Mike Smith and wife, Vickie of Orange; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Smith, Bernie Delhom, Eric Duhon, Robert Smith, Joseph Alford, Joe Alford, and Casey Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Colton Smith, Cade Smith, Reece Smith, Lynn Smith, Rusty Smith, Harold Smith, and Clyde Sneed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Building Fund, 4300 Meeks Dr., Orange, TX 77632, or to the St. Mary School Foundation, 2600 Bob Hall Road, Orange, TX 77630.
Condolences
Sharon Vincent Campisi
January 10, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up in Orange, I have fond memories of him and your family. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. Sharon Vincent Campisi, Abbeville, LA
Crystal Smith
January 9, 2014
I LOVE AND MISS YOU UNCLE ED, BUT I KNOW YOUR WITH OUR LORD AND MAW,PAW,UNCLE TERRY, AND LIL KORY! AS SAD AS I AM THAT YOUR GONE I KNOW THAT IT ISN'T FOREVER, FOR WHEN MY TIME COMES , I KNOW YA'LL WILL ALL BE THERE TO GREET ME, AND KNOWING YOU, PICK ON ME =) I KNOW YOU ALREADY ARE BUT KEEP A SPECIAL EYE ON AUNT JUANITA, SHE KNOWS YOU IN A BETTER PLACE IN HER BRAIN BUT I THINK IT IS GONNA TAKE A WHILE FOR HER HEART TO CATCH UP!! SO UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN SEE YA LATER!!! AUNT JUANITA , I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND .....WELL I CAN'T THINK OF ANYTHING THAT TO SAY TO COMFORT YOU SO I JUST LEAVE WITH THIS, I KNOW YOU MISS UNCLE EDWARD , JUST KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU AND WILL BE PRAYING FOR THE SADNESS TO GO AWAY AND BE REPLACED WITH ALL THE HAPPINESS HE BROUGHT INTO ALL OF OUR LIVES.....I LOVE YOU AUNT JUANITA!!! SINCERELY YOUR NIECE CRYSTAL MICHELLE SMITH!!!
Jimmie Howard
January 9, 2014
To Juanita and sons you have my deepest sympathy. Edward was a good person and would help any obese he could. I remembered when he would come to North, he would bring you lunch and the ladies in the office too and didn't mind doing it. When that popcorn machine would act up he would help me get it to going again. He would help any body if he could. They say you never live until you die, well when that trumpet blows Edward ha a new home in glory and a new body. Gain your strength from The Lord, call on him he will answer. God Bless you and your family.
Bonetta Adams Smith
January 8, 2014
Juanita, Edward was a very special person to me all through high school... Loved his personality and enthusiasm. Always enjoyed seeing him at the WO football games. I am so so sorry for your loss and all his friends are too. Love you, Bonetta
Jan E.
January 8, 2014
Jan E. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Reece Edward "Ed" Smith.
Burton Guidry
January 8, 2014
Juanita, You and your family are in our prayers. Ed was a very nice and friendly person that I was glad to know. Burton and Ann Guidry
Tracie Brooks
January 8, 2014
I was terribly saddened to hear about Ed. He was such a kind man with a sweet smile always on his face. I know you all had some great times at the lake, and I am so glad I was able to share some of them with you. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Much love, Tracie Brooks
Sherry Combs
January 8, 2014
Our prayers are with you and your family, Juanita. So sorry for your loss. Sherry and Mike Combs
Kate Robards
January 8, 2014
Everyone that met Ed could testify to his warm, friendly nature. He was always helping others and doing it with a smile. Sending love and prayers to his large family.
Howard And Joan Haddock
January 8, 2014
Blessings to your family at this time in the loss of Ed. He was fun guy. Always enjoyed being around him. Love, Howard and Joan Haddock
Dj
January 8, 2014
To the family and friends of Reece "Ed" Smith, please accept my condolences for your loss. At times like this, words are hard to find, but I hope this short message brings you a little comfort from the Bible. At Acts 24:15, God promises us that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous. That includes Ed. God,also promises that he will wipe out all tears and pain and death will be no more. (Revelation 21:4) Therefore, when Ed is resurrected, he will never have to die again. What a wonderful, bright hope for our future! 'You' have the opportunity to see your loved one again! For more information, click the following link, www.jw.org, select "Publications" and click the yellow "Bible Teach" book. Scroll and read the chapter "Real Hope for Our Loved Ones Who Have Died' along with your Bible. You will soon realize that God's promises are not a dream, but will be fulfilled very soon because "God cannot lie." (Titus 1:2)
Ralf Mims
January 7, 2014
3 files added to the album Some Mardi Gras Memories..
Anonymous
January 7, 2014
Tropical Tribute Spray was purchased for the family of Reece Edward "Ed" Smith.
Pat And Jonnie Broussard
January 7, 2014
Pat And I Are So Sorry To Hear About The Passing Of Ed. He Was A Very Kind And Gentle Man. Always Had A Smile On His Face. May You All Find Comfort In Knowing That He Is In Heaven, With Our Lord, Jesus Christ. May His
Soul Rest In Peace. Love, Pat And Jonnie Broussard
Faye Beth Purifoy
January 7, 2014
Ed was a wonderful man....The first time I met him was at the VFW,decorating for the Mardi Gras Ball....taught me how to hang the lights and the fabric RIGHT!!!. and made sure that they all worked!! He always had a smile on his face and a made us laugh. Love and prayers to the family. Faye Beth Purifoy
Anonymous
January 7, 2014
A sympathy card was purchased for the family of Reece Edward "Ed" Smith.
Tony Dallas
January 7, 2014
What a wonderful man. What an example he set for a lot of us way back when. Thanks to guys like Ed and Rocky Breaux for setting the example of what a good father/man looks like. The hours he spent at Wesco along with many others may have seemed as if they were overlooked but they weren't. Ed Smith helped make me a better man. I only hope that one day someone can say that about me. God bless you Juanita and your whole family, Tony Dallas
Julie Allensworth
January 7, 2014
Juanita and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Ed was a truly wonderful person. I'll always remember him loaded down with Sonic drinks bringing them to us at North. Smiling and laughing all the time. Love ya. Julie Allensworth
Paul Romero
January 7, 2014
Mrs. Juanita, Ed and Wade,
Let me first say how sorry I am to read about Ed 's passing. The first thought I had when I read of his passing was that smile he always had. Secondly was that infectious laugh. Caught myself giggling when I thought of that. He was always smiling or laughing. PERIOD. Great man. God has another good person next to Him. May God strengthen your families through this time.
Love,
Paul Romero
