Bobby “Bruce” Smith of Humble, Texas went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 8, 2017, at the age of 86.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Patricia “Sunny” Moller Smith; daughter and son-in-law, Teri and Danny Rich; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Tami Smith; grandchildren, Ashley Rich Castellanos and husband Noe; Daniel Rich and wife Lauren; Jenny Smith and Katie Smith; and sister-in-law Francis Smith.
Bruce was born on April 6, 1931, in Forman, Arkansas where he lived until age 12 when his family moved to Hooks, Texas. Bruce graduated from Hooks High School in 1949 and attended Texarkana Junior College. He attended Sam Houston State University where he played varsity basketball and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1953. Following graduation, he served his country for two years in the United States Army.
After his tour in the Army, he began his teaching and coaching career at Trinity High School in Trinity, Texas. During that time, he returned to Sam Houston State University where he earned a Masters of Education degree in 1958. There, he met his future wife Sunny Moller; they married on August 8, 1957 and shared 60 wonderful years together.
They spent their first five years of marriage in Mt. Belvieu, Texas, where Bruce taught math and coached football and basketball at Barbers Hill High School. In 1962, they settled in Humble, Texas where Bruce taught math and coached basketball. He later became Principal of Humble High School and served as Associate Superintendent of Humble ISD.
He always loved school and from the time he began first grade he had perfect attendance. His passion for education was evident throughout his career. Bruce loved his community, friends and his church. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Humble, Texas for over 50 years. He was an avid golfer and headed for the golf course any chance he could, if only to play a few holes before dark.
Bruce loved his family. Papa, as he was lovingly called, enjoyed weekends, summers and holidays with his children and grandchildren. He took great pride in their accomplishments. Christmas was one of his favorite times of the year; he treasured having his whole family under one roof.
He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas Payton and Dovie Matilda Green Smith; brother, Thelmer Payton Smith of Huntsville, Alabama; sister, Nona "Allene" Smith Harwell, of DeKalb, Texas, and Don Buford Smith, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
A family graveside service was held at Rosewood Cemetery in Humble on Monday, December 11, 2017.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 800 East Main Street, Humble, Texas, 77338, or to HARTA (Humble Area Retired Teachers Association), PO Box 5102, Kingwood, Texas, 77325.