Ted Smith

Eldon Rhea Smith (Ted), 94, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday,  December 14, 2019, in Lubbock, Texas. He was surrounded by his friends and family at the time of his passing. Services for Ted will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at First Baptist Church Spur with Pastor Rory Mosley officiating. Burial will follow in the Spur Memorial Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm on Monday, December 16, 2019, at Zapata Funeral Home.

Ted was born on May 17, 1925, in Spur, Texas to William P.  Smith and Alice Smith. He attended Spur High School and graduated in 1942.  He married the love of his life, Dorothy Fay Chapman Schuessler, on October 10, 1942, in Spur, Texas. They were married almost 70 years when the Lord called her home in March 2012. Ted served as Music Director, Chairman of the Deacons, and Church Treasurer for Bethel Baptist Church in Spur.  By trade Ted spent almost 40 years as a butcher for the community of Spur.

Ted is survived by: daughters Martha Pickens and Dortha Berry; granddaughter Dania Vega and husband Tommy Vega; granddaughter Melanie Hull and husband Allan Hull; granddaughter Paula Taylor and husband Benjamin Taylor: great-grandchildren: Melisandra Vega, Britten Hull, Hannah Vega, Peyton Hull, Jennings Taylor, and Marshall Taylor; brother Rev. Bill Smith and his wife Fran Smith; sister Nell Criswell and late husband Rev. James A. Criswell; foster daughter Charlena Fitzgerald and husband Winston Fitzgerald; foster daughter Elaine Smith and husband Jerry Smith; foster granddaughter Michelle Smith; foster granddaughter Catherine Moore and husband Jeff Moore; foster great-grandchildren Ashtyn Cornett, Nicholas Moore, Gage Cornett, Megan Moore.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Fay Smith, parents, siblings Nolan Smith, Lavern Holder, son-in-law Marshall Berry, brother-in-law James Criswell, and foster granddaughter Kristi Cornett.

Ted led a blessed life based on faithfulness to the Lord.  We know he is singing praises in the presence of his Heavenly Father now.  Thank you for joining us in celebrating a life well-lived.