Wright Smith

Wright Smith, of Lindale, Texas age 77 passed away on August 12th, 2008 after a brief illness. Wright was born on May 25th, 1931 to Oma Hornbuckle Smith and Robert Smith in Avery, Texas. He was the youngest child with three brothers and one sister. He joined the United States Air Force in 1948 and spent seven years honorably serving his country. He served in Korea and later was stationed in Japan. After an honorable discharge Wright enrolled and graduated from Texarkana Junior College in 1956. He then enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin seeking a degree in pharmacy. In January of 1960, he graduated with his Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy. Wright was the first in his family to graduate from college. He understood the value and necessity of an education. He encouraged and inspired, not just his own children, but also his nephews, his employees, and all young people he came into contact with to pursue an education. In 1960, Wright met and married his wife of 48 years, Polly Sue Killion of Winona, Texas. They were introduced by Polly's brother, Walter Ferrell Killion, who worked with Wright in Tyler, Texas at Neil-Simpson's Pharmacy. In 1962, Wright and Polly, moved to Lindale, Texas and opened their first drug store, Lindale Pharmacy which later became Smith's Pharmacy. Wright and Polly extended Smith's Pharmacy by opening a store in Van, Texas and a store in Mineola, Texas. In 2000, Wright was chosen as Independent Pharmacist of the year by a national poll. Wright was tireless and industrious in all of his pursuits. He would often work a twelve-hour day and then come home to work more hours in his garden. He loved gardening and was proud of the bountiful fruits and vegetables that he liked to give to his family and friends. Last year, in the spirit of sharing his love of gardening he started a "rent a row" project where he leased out individual rows of his garden to other gardeners. Wright was an avid reader of nonfiction and continued his dedication to education by reading and improving his mind his entire life. Wright was a lifelong Longhorn fan and a very proud Texas-Ex Lifetime Member. He was also proud of his community and along with Lenis Wells developed the city of Lindale motto "Good Country Living." Wright is survived by his wife Polly Killion Smith, his daughters: Kim Smith Hollifield and her husband Joey Hollifield, Pheobe Smith and Kathryn Barnes; and his grandsons: Luke Hollifield, Caleb Hollifield, and Silas Barnes. Special friends: Cleo Rainey and Karen Schneider, M.D. He will always be remembered for his deep love and devotion to his family. Services will be at the Lindale Methodist Church on Saturday, August 16th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Walter Ferrell Killion, Jr. will officiate at the service. Pallbearers are: Don Hatcher, Tom Brewster, Tommy Glasscock, Joey Hollifield, Walter Ferrell Killion, III and Edward Killion. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons: Luke Hollifield, Caleb Hollifield, and Silas Barnes. Family will receive friends from 6 p.m. Ã¢â‚¬â€œ 8 p.m. on Friday, August 15th, 2008 at Caudle-Rutledge, 206 W. Main, Lindale, Texas 75771. Memorials may be made to the Lindale Library, 200 E. Hubbard, Lindale, Texas 75771, Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas, 75707 or The First United Methodist Church of Lindale, 402 W. Hubbard St., Lindale, Tx 7577

Wright Smith

May 25, 1931 - August 12, 2008