Acie Williford ‘Willie' Smith
KINGSLAND Acie Williford “Willie” Smith, age 91, of Kingsland, formerly of Crane and Ector County, passed away peacefully February 2, 2012, in Llano, Texas. She was born to Acie Francis Bond and Robie Pearl (Jackson) Bond on June 5, 1920 in Offerman, Georgia.
Willie met Harold Rhodes Smith in Odessa during the fourth grade and became his longtime sweetheart. They graduated from Odessa High School and were married on October 14, 1938 in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The newlyweds began life together at the J Bar Ranch in Crane County, Texas. Willie soon learned to cook for all the cowboys and neighboring families during cattle round-ups, also loved to feed and entertain family and friends during quail and dove season. She worked beside Harold as a ranch wife, yet made time to be a lady. Willie hosted bridge parties, shared her giving spirit with family and those in need at the hospital and church. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and loyal friend. Everyone appreciated her loving personality and witty sense of humor.
Willie and Harold continued the family ranching heritage and provided their descendants the blessings of a treasured lifestyle. They raised their family in the Christian Churches of Odessa, where Willie taught Sunday school and always helped with church functions. The couple retired permanently to their lake home in Kingsland and became members of the Kingsland Community Church. Willie often stated, “My children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren are all Christians. The Lord provided me with a Christian husband who took care of me and I praise the good Lord for all my blessings.”
Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband of 73 years, Harold Rhodes Smith of Kingsland, Texas; son-in-law, Ronald Neal Brown of San Angelo; son, Calvin Bond Smith and wife Lillian Suzahn (St. Romain) Smith residing at the J Bar Ranch in Crane County, Texas; grandchildren, Jason Calvin Smith (J Bar Ranch of Crane County, Texas), Justin Rhodes Smith and wife Amanda Leigh (Douglass) Smith (San Antonio, Texas), Jordan Jay Smith (Lubbock, Texas), Lindsey June Brown (Murfreesboro, Tennessee); great-grandchildren, Lauren Kelley Smith and Leah Carol Smith (Jason’s twins), Nathan Tyler Smith, Daniel Ryan Smith and Rachel Elizabeth Smith (Justin and Amanda’s children).
Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her father; mother; brother, Cyril Bond; infant daughter, Harolyn Smith and daughter, Carol June (Smith) Brown.
Pallbearers were grandsons, Jason Smith, Justin Smith and Jordan Smith. Family friends, Danny Stone, Mike Jenkins and Norman Jones.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Llano Scott & White Hospice 1100 Ford Street llano, Texas 78643.
A visitation was held 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, February 5, 2012, at Putnam Funeral Home in Kingsland. Funeral services were held 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 6, 2012, at the Kingsland Community Church with Reverend John Woody and Reverend Tommie Beck officiating. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2012, at the Ector County Cemetery in Odessa, Texas with reverend Tim Halstead officiating. Maps and an online guest register may be found at www.Putnamcares.com.
Funeral Arrangement trusted to Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory 145 Texas Avenue Kingsland, Texas 78639 (325) 388-0008.
