Derrell Smith

Funeral services for Derrell Burton Smith, 90, of Paradise, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport; interment will follow at Paradise Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will include Joel Dickinson, Glenn Gentry, Jerry McDuff, Dike Read, Russell Read, and Jimmy Womack; Honorary Pallbearers Edward Lee Black, Joe Murphy, Jim Bob Paschall, Wilson Phillips, and Rick Read.

Derrell was born in Paradise, Texas, on December 9, 1933, to Burton Jesse and Zelma (Koeninger) Smith. He attended Paradise ISD and married his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Tackel) Smith on August 17, 1956, and they enjoyed many wonderful years until Margaret’s passing in February 2022. 

Derrell was known for his mean curve ball, and he traveled with his team to play on fields throughout the metroplex. He once played in Gainesville where the team was treated to a chicken fried steak dinner by the sponsor. The umpire happened to come in and walked up to Derrell and asked if he knew how many strike outs he had; when he said no, the umpire revealed 21, according to Derrell. Later he took up golf and boy are there some tales about those years, including a legendary round with Gayle Miller, and others at the Decatur Country Club.

Derrell was the man who wore the Texaco star. Serving the community at the station for over 30 years, he was known to bring you a battery, or come to your house to change a flat, if needed. When the fire siren sounded, and no volunteers were available, he would close up and go get on the fire truck. He was affectionally called the “Mayor of Paradise” before it was incorporated. He will be missed by all who knew his blunt honesty, humorous stories, and dependable spirit.

Derrell and Margaret had four children together, including son Kyle Smith of Bridgeport; daughters Patti Seckman and husband Cole of Haslet, Pam Martin and Jim Stegman of Paradise, and Monica Munn and husband Bret of Paradise. He adored his grandchildren Candice (Jarrod) Yates of Prosper; Stephanie Winters of Paradise; John (Misty) Martin of Holliday; Leah Brazier of Haslet; Angela Munn of Paradise; Felica (Adam) Lamb of Paradise; John (Krystal) Seckman of Pottsboro; Chris (Kylie) Stegman of Paradise; and Michael (Kayla) Stegman of Fort Worth. Great-grands, his little sunshines, whom he loved to receive a “Smack” from are Ally; Berkley; Annie; Everley; Ashlyn (Cameron); Ayden; Bailee; Cash; Adilyn; Kaydn; T.C. and his future siblings, Buck and Jane; Syler; and Sloane; Hudsyn, his motorcycle riding great-great-grandson, and his anticipated sister Halsey. Also, Derrell is survived by brother, Bill Smith of Greenville, South Carolina; sister, Sue McDuff of Paradise; and sister-in-law Emilie Tackel of Paradise.

In lieu of flowers, if so inclined, the family suggests donating to Wise County Meals on Wheels, who were so kind, and visited with him when making deliveries. PO Box 903, 300 N. Trinity St., Suite A, Decatur, TX 76234. 940-627-5329

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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