Wayne Eugene Smith

Born in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania on October 21, 1935, Wayne entered this life with a generous and encouraging heart. The eldest son of Emory and Zula Smith, Wayne grew up in rural Pennsylvania where he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather. After graduating from Montgomery Clinton High School in 1954, Wayne's love and respect for his country led him to serve in the United States Air Force. While serving overseas in England, he met and married his beautiful wife, Irene. Wayne and Irene lived in Maine as newlyweds before heading across the country to California, a place they called home for 40 years. They retired to Bonham, Texas and, for the last 15 years, have enjoyed small town Texas living.

Wayne started working with computers in the Air Force and, after 12 years of service, he continued in the field he enjoyed, working as a manager of computer operations for various banks and, in later years, working for himself as a computer consultant/contractor.

Wayne was a man of many loves, but was a Christian and family man above all. He didn't just love God's Word; he preached the gospel. Wayne lived a good life, raising his four children to respect and care about others and to be ready to help if someone needed it. He took his family fishing, camping, to little league, to cub scouts/boy scouts, on family mystery rides and to church every Sunday. Wayne's love of people surrounded him with good friends, along with his family that adored him. He was known for his big bear hugs, getting together for a game of cards, enjoying good eats from the kitchen and for keeping everyone in touch with each other.

Wayne is survived by 4 children: Paul Smith and wife, Bea, of Lake Havasu; David Smith and wife, Kim, of San Diego; Sandy Brown Robertson and husband, Tarsicio, of Ivanhoe and Doug Smith and wife, Addie, of Carpinteria. He is survived by two sisters, Norma and Shirley Smith of Palm Desert. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren (Trudi, Troy, Trisa, Tristen, Tasha, Stephen, Jennifer, Bobbie, Brandi, Nathan, Kayla, Gabby, Benjamin and Micah) and 12 great-grandchildren (Abbi, Austin, Kati, Claire, Matthew, Aidan, Olivia, Jack, Josh, Elaina, Reed and Mila).

Wayne will be missed and remembered fondly by all.