Gene Smith

Gene Smith was born in Taylor, Texas, on August 16, 1940, and passed away in Keller, Texas, on May 29, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Velma Hill; father, Elmer Dee Smith; mother, Mary Detwiler; sister, Diane Kallus; and brothers, Gaylon and Jimmy.

Gene is survived by his siblings: Vicki, Butch, and Linda; six children: Lori, Tom, Jay, Julie, Annette, and Mike; nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Gene attended school in Taylor and left early to help support his family.  He became a member of the Taylor Jaycees and began a career at Terminix in Austin.  Under the guidance of his mentors, Bill Youngblood and Frances Vickers, he learned Building and Facilities Management, Hospitality, as well as the Convention and Trade Show Industries.  At the invitation of Mr. Vickers, he moved to San Antonio assisting in the development of the Hemisfair Plaza and the Tower of Americas.  After the World’s Fair, he continued as the Exhibition and Events Planner for major events at The San Antonio Convention Center.  He later moved back to Austin and organized trade shows for the Texas Restaurant Association, Texas Hotel/Motel Association and then the Austin Convention Center.  He retired from the Austin Convention Center in 2003.

He was kind-hearted and generous; and often gave to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.  He made friends easily and always had a humorous story to tell.  He was active in his church at Fellowship of the Park in North Fort Worth.  His hobbies included playing with his grandchildren, eating Mexican food, watching Tik-Tok, listening to Elvis and reading his Bible.  He loved to laugh and treasured every moment with his friends and family.