Eugene E. Smith of San Antonio passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2025. He was born in San Antonio, on August 2, 1952 to Monte Earl and Vera Elizabeth (Williams) Smith.

"Eugene was my best friend.

Eugene and I met in the 6th grade at Jefferson Davis Junior High as band students and continued our friendship in the Sam Houston High School band. In college, we were roommates. This is when he met and fell in love with Pam Weyrick; he told me that he thought she was pretty, adding that she must have thought he was pretty, too. In Eugene's eyes, she has remained that same pretty girl for the last 50 years.

Eugene and I both Liked to hunt dove, and he invited me many times to his grandfather Smith's farm in Leming, where we would play Dominoes with his grandparents until after midnight. I also hunted with Eugene's father, Smitty, on the Winkenhaur Ranch in Medina. Over the years, we made many trips to Port Aransas to fish. During these years, I got to know Eugene's family and the people who loved him. His finer qualities, obviously handed down through generations, were apparent to all who knew him.

As we grew older, the generosity of our friend, Richard Roll, enabled us to hunt dove, deer, and turkeys on his farm. Then, 8 years ago, Eugene bought his own place in Melvin. He enjoyed working that farm, clearing pastures, rebuilding fences, and drilling a water well for livestock. He could not wait to get to the farm, not only to work, but to also hunt. We had many good times that led to good stories over all these years. I have greatly missed him during his time of illness.

Eugene was a rare and precious soul. He was generous to a fault, going long when others fell short, made of mercy and humor. He did not drop names; he picked up the slack. He did not raise his voice; he lowered the temperature. He did not hold grudges; he gave the grace of forgiveness. He did not show off; he showed up.

Eugene was my best friend"

He is survived by his wife of 49+ years, Pamela Smith; beloved and only daughter, Shelly Smith-Alvarez and husband Juan; brothers, Billy Joe Smith and wife Susie, and Stanley Smith and wife Carol; and Shirley Cook and husband Kenneth. Eugene is also survived by his close friends, Billy Fish, Steven Sullivan, and Karl E. Brooks.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation and graveside services will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2025, with visitation being held at Hurley Funeral Home from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm, and the graveside service being held in Tumlinson Cemetery outside Leming at 1:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers and trees, the family requests that notes be mailed to Pamela Smith, at 419 Creath Place, San Antonio, Texas 78221.