Henry L. Smith Sr.

Henry L. Smith Sr. was born on June 7th, 1930, in Neches, Texas to Herman Smith and Ruby Stevenson as their only child. In his early years, he moved with his mother to Fort Worth, Texas,where he later graduated from IM Terrell High School in 1947. That same year, he joined the Army. While in the Army he wasstationed in many areas. The two that were most memorable to him were Korea and Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During his down time while stationed at Fort Bragg, a beautiful woman caught his eye at a local diner, which he would say was love at first sight. On June 14th, 1950, Henry married Josephine Ray in Meridian, Mississippi, which was just the beginning of their fruitful life they would create. Together they raised six sons and one daughter.

He wore several hats throughout his life. He worked at Swift Packing House, he was an assistant nurse at the VA Hospital, a taxicab driver, a pharmaceutical delivery driver, a pharmacy clerk and dedicated 21 years with the United States Postal service before retiring. While juggling his many hats, Henry achieved his goal of becoming the first college graduate of his family by graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Historyin 1977.

Henry’s faith in Jesus started at a young age, where he was baptized at 10 years old. His walk with the Lord continued throughout his life, which led him to obtain his license to preach in 1953 and ordained to teach in 1955 by Rev. L.R. Lockridge.Rev. Henry L. Smith served as Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Eternity Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas, Sanger Baptist Church in Sanger, Texas, Grandview Baptist Church in Grandview, Texas and retired afterdedicating 33 at Bethel Baptist Church in Mineral Wells, Texas. As Pastor, Rev. Henry L. Smith ordained Rev. Talton Cooper, Rev. Clarence Holliman, Rev. Fredia Sneed and Rev. Ida Nickerson. He also served as Moderator within the Progressive West Texas District Association from 1998-2002. In addition,held positions as vice moderator, treasurer and secretary.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his bride of 60 years, Josephine Ray Smith, his father, Herman Smith, his mother, Ruby Stevenson, his son Phillip Delon Smith and his beloved daughter, Lilian (Liz) Small.

He is lovingly remembered by his 5 sons: Timothy, Henry (Michelle), Mark, James, Barnabas (Meshelle) Smith. Son in Law: Harry Small. 20 grandchildren: Jacqueline Mack, Jerome Smith, Angela Okedele, Patricia Smith, Raymond Smith, Rachael Young, LaManiya Kincade, Trenna Davis, Angel Smith, LaTonia Monday, CeAtria Rolle, Mark Smith II, Sarah Smith, Gregory Smith, Jennifer Smith, Harry Small III, LaShaunda Small, LaNisa Small, LaKendria Small and Denise Smith. 45great-grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church Mineral Wells, Texas. Open visitation will be Friday, May 22,2026 anytime between 8:00am- 5:00pm at Baum Carlock Bumgardner. Burial will be at Woodland Park Cemetery.