Jr Smith

JR Smith was passed away September 30, 2012 in Springfield CO at the age of 89 at the Long Term Care Center J.R. was born in Achille, OK to Leslie and Elizabeth Smith. He honorably served his country during World War II with Headquarters Company, 15th Army. After his service in the Army, he returned home and moved to Baca County to work for Shell Oil Company. There he found the love of his life, Mary Inez Hughs. He and Mary wed August 3, 1945. He and Mary then started careers in Springfield, by launching a small grocery store that later became J’s IGA. They owned and operated J’s motel, and after retirement J’s Car Wash. He also was a real estate speculator and entrepreneur. J.R. was a proud member of the Masonic lodge where he rose to Master Mason. He also showed his love of the community by being a member of Shriners. J.R. was an avid outdoorsman. Early in their married life, J.R. would place Mary in charge of the business for a few days while he hunted elk in the mountains. Later in life, they traveled throughout the state going on fishing adventures together. J.R. had grown up fishing and hunting and those loves never left him. One of his greatest joys was passing down his knowledge of fishing and hunting to his children and grandchildren. But mostly, those who knew him best confirm, J.R. was a bread winner. He opened his businesses early, and he closed them late. He seldom took a day off. He radically disliked borrowing money, so his habit was to save and buy, rather than borrow and pay off. It was a characteristic that served him and his family well for many years. J.R. was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters-Jeraline Smith, Kathleen Gullo, and Margaret Shull; one brother Cecil Smith and a son, Jerry Smith. Survivors include his wife Mary, of 66 years; two daughters, Mary Katherine and husband Ronnie Mooney of Canyon, TX; Elizabeth Jane and husband Darrell Shew of Helena, MT; two brothers Eugene Smith of Durant, OK and James James of Irving, TX; one sister Anna Mae Slyer of Durant, OK; seven grandchildren-Tiffany Garland, Jarrod Shew, Chad, Ryan, and Josh Higgins, Rosalind and Boe Smith and 12 great grandchildren. Funeral Services were held at Maltbie Funeral Services Oct. 3 with interment following at the Springfield Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be sent to the Southeast Colorado Alzheimer Unit-373 E. 10th Ave. Springfield, CO 81073-Either directly or by way of the funeral home.