James Lyndel Smith

James Lyndel Smith, 71 of Kempner, Texas moved from this life to his eternal one on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at his home and surrounded by his family. He died after a long, brave battle with carcinoid cancer. James, known as Lyndel to his family, was born on February 27, 1941 in a log cabin in Yellowpine, Texas to Robert Everett Smith, a Texas Ranger and Ellie Marie Edgar Smith. He had two older sisters, one older brother, one younger sister and two younger brothers. He attended Hemphill High School, where he met and fell in love with Sudie LaNell Wilson. After graduating high school in 1959, he joined the U.S. Army. At Christmastime the following year, he came home on leave and married his sweetheart on December 23, 1960. The two made their home in Houston, Texas where he joined the Houston Fire Department. Rising to the rank of Captain, he studied and received his arson certification, and thus became certified as a Houston Police Officer as well. Through the years, he also worked part time jobs in order to make ends meet; he installed windows, directed traffic, and built patio additions, among other jobs. The most important job he held was that of father, to one son and one daughter. Though James worked many long, hard hours, he always made time to attend his children’s ball games and choir concerts. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he loved Mexican food. Most of all, he loved studying the Bible and sharing the treasures he found there. He was happiest when he could combine fishing, hunting, Mexican food and Bible study. In 1987, James retired from the fire department after twenty-five years and went to work full time as a police officer for the Houston Independent School District. In 1997, he retired from H.I.S.D. and moved to Kempner, Texas. During his retirement years, he enjoyed his five grandchildren, who were the light of his life, and he became involved with prison ministry and Mexico Missions. He made several trips to Mexico to deliver food and supplies to the Arbor of Hope Orphanage and to minister to Mexican prisoners. James enjoyed being a sharp dresser, loved Stetson cologne, and was known to spend excessive amounts of time styling his thick, wavy hair. James is survived by Sue, his wife of nearly fifty-two years, his son Shelby Smith, his daughter Renae Brumbaugh, daughter-in-law Debbie Smith, son-in-law Mark Brumbaugh, and five beautiful grandchildren, Caitlyn Smith, Charis Brumbaugh, Rachel Smith, Joshua Smith, and Foster James Brumbaugh. He also leaves behind two brothers, Glyn Smith and Weldon Smith, and two sisters, Joyce Smith and Eyvone Reece, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Everett Smith and Ellie Marie Edgar Smith, his younger brother Robert Everett Smith, Jr. (Bobby) and his older sister Betty Sue Heisler. Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, September 24 at New Covenant Church in Lampasas, Texas. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, TX. Donations can be made to the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation or the Arbor of Hope Orphanage, care of New Covenant Church. James lived well, he loved well, and he finished well. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:7-8.