George Hobby Smith of San Angelo, TX passed peacefully in his sleep at home on February 17, 2024 at the age of 97. He was born on December 14, 1926 in Hamlin, TX to parents George Hobson Smith and Beryl Owen Whitfield.
Affectionately known as Pawpaw or Grampa by his grandchildren, Hobby experienced numerous life-changing events during his time on earth. Born right before the Great Depression and serving in World War II, he knew the meaning of sacrifice and hard work. He attended Central High School in San Angelo, but was taken to serve in the military when he turned 18 in 1944. He was given a GED in 1945, but never lost his love of learning and returned to college later in life to take courses he had great interest in. He served honorably in three branches of the military, including the Naval Reserve. He started as a buck private in the infantry during WWII where he was assigned to one of three platoons in “B” Company. He qualified as an expert on the M1 Garand rifle and trained on the same ground as Audie Murphy, though not at the same time. He saw the ocean for the first time as he boarded the Kaiser Liberty ship en route to a secret destination. The ship was diverted when the atom bombs were dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima and he was reassigned to the 97th Infantry Division to assist in the occupation of Japan. He returned to the US in October 1946 as a Platoon Sergeant. He entered the United States Air Force in April 1951 and was assigned to Goodfellow AFB. After 20 years of service, he retired as a Master Sergeant in 1969 after completing tours in Peshawar, Pakistan and Yokota, Japan. He earned a Letter of Excellence by Major Lynn B. Atwood acknowledging MSgt Smith as an Honor Graduate award recipient. After retiring from the military, he worked at Phillips 66 until his official retirement a few years later.
He met the love of his life, Juanita (Nita) Irene Hays, on New Year's Eve 1947. They were both immediately smitten and married four months later on May 1, 1948 in San Angelo and had just recently celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. They raised five children who continually discuss who the “favorite child” is, but Hobby and Nita steadfastly declared they have loved all of them equally. Upon their retirements, Hobby and Nita started their dream of traveling the world. They launched their adventures accompanied by family and friends starting with the US and Canada in their trusty RV called Old Number One. This beloved RV later became the refuge for family and friends that needed a helping hand. Eventually, their travels branched out to the world beyond our US borders where cruises took them to 83 countries. From riding camels in Egypt and elephants in Thailand to seeing the wonders of Rome to piranha fishing on the Amazon River, they brought home treasures from around the world that are proudly displayed in a hutch that Hobby made with his own hands.
There were values that Hobby held dear throughout his life. He was a strong advocate for women, stepping in and defending them when they were being mistreated. He often praised them highly for milestones and achievements they made. He taught his daughters how to change a tire and to drive safely on the road. He was quite the dancer and took the floor with all of his daughters at special events. He believed in second chances and was heavily involved with other members of Sierra Vista UMC and community members in founding the San Angelo branch of Broken Chains Prison Ministries. He spent countless hours writing grants that helped support prison clients as they transitioned to life outside of prison.
Hobby had many hidden talents that were self-taught. He was a true artist with wood and created many furniture pieces and special items for his family that will live on for years to come. His motto of “Measure twice and cut once” depicted his attention to detail that made his pieces a work of art that are treasured by many. When he could not find a tool that fit his needs, he created it and his garage workshop is full of these useful inventions. His talents extended to his culinary side where hamburgers and steak kebabs were favorites, but it was his avocado dip that was always demanded at family events.
He had a bit of rebellious and stubborn nature that served him well through the rough times and was the source of some frustration, but many fond memories, for his wife and children. Climbing on the roof at age 80, insisting on a certain humidity level before applying stain to his wood creations, and arguing with his children over board game rules when he was clearly adapting them to his own interpretation are just a few of the wonderful remembrances he has left behind. Luckily, his children and grandchildren seem to have inherited some of his stubborn nature, resulting in lively family get-togethers and humorous story-telling….and perhaps a little exasperation for their spouses.
Hobby is survived by his beloved wife, Nita and his five children Stephen Gregory (Greg) Smith and wife Janet, Michael (Mike) Dale Smith and wife Diane, Katherine (Kathy) Elaine Corases and husband Bill, Sharon Kay Rush and husband Jeff, and Shelley Sue McCannon and husband Ken. Five grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, eleven nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and nephews were much loved. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, several brothers- and sisters-in-law and one nephew. He became a member of Angelo Heights Methodist Church in 1957 and moved with Sierra Vista United Methodist Church to its new location when it branched off.
Visitation will be at Harper’s Funeral Home on Thursday, February 22nd from 5 to 7pm. Memorial service will start at 10am Friday, February 23rd at Sierra Vista United Methodist Church with a graveside service at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Officiant will be Associate Pastor Tamara Strehli. Pallbearers will be the Goodfellow Air Force Base Military Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren Timothy Goddard, Mandy Goddard Yanez, Haley McCannon Ball, Beau McCannon and Hays McCannon.
Nita and his five children would like to thank all of the kind nurses, therapists, physicians and other staff at Shannon Medical Center and Encompass Health for their compassion and special attention shown to Hobby during a difficult time. As a testament to his quintessential gentleman’s nature, Hobby quickly became a favorite patient and the staff went out of their way to keep him comfortable and pampered.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the charity of your choice.
Dad – You were much loved and will be greatly missed by many. You can now truly walk “In the Garden”.
Gerg, Mikey, Kat, Sharn and Shell
The family asks everyone to wear happy clothes.
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