E.L. Smith

Services for E.L. Smith, 89, formerly of Bridgeport, Texas will be 11:00 am Saturday, May 16, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Decatur, Texas, officiated by Pastor David Lowrie. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery in Bridgeport. Pallbearers are grandchildren Cooper, Eddie, Landon, Heath, Cole, Chance, Zach, and Luke. Visitation will be 6-8 pm Friday, May 15 at Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport. Mr. Smith passed away Monday, May 11 in Decatur.

He was born November 13, 1930 in Erath County, Texas to Eddie and Ora (Kell) Smith.

He was united in marriage to Wilma Whitten on June 5, 1948 in Eastland, Texas. The couple would’ve been married 72 years this June.

E.L. started his career in the oil and gas industry with Lone Star Gas Company in Cisco, Texas. He ended his 45-year career in Dallas with Enserch Exploration as Vice President of Production. After retiring he worked as a salesman for Smith Oilfield Services in Bridgeport.

E.L. held double terms of Presidency with the Roughnecks Club and was Vice President and City Councilman of the Chamber of Commerce. He was Director of the Lions Club and was the District Manager of Enserch Exploration.

Because of his knowledge and expertise in the oil industry, he was greatly respected by his engineers, and was often called upon to do presentations to various organizations.

E.L. enjoyed square dancing, being at the lake, gospel music, his ’62 Thunderbird, and most of all, his family.

He and his wife were active members of the First Baptist Church in Bridgeport for several years.

Those left behind to cherish his memory are wife Wilma Smith of Decatur; sons Johnny Smith and wife Linda of Jacksboro, Rick Smith and wife Joyce of Paradise, and Sean Smith and wife Michelle of Austin, Texas; son-in-law Milton Selz of Midland, Texas; grandchildren Cooper, Kaycee and husband Clint, Eddie and wife Jennifer, Landon and wife Ashley, Dr. Heath and wife Andrea, Chessi and husband David, Cole, Chance, Zach, and Luke; great-grandchildren Paxton, Colin, Landry, Harper, Wyatt, Beckham, Paisley, Noah, Molly, and Blayze.

E.L. was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Laura Selz, and great-granddaughter Emma Smith.

© (Hudson & Torres Family Funeral Home)

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