Acie Williford ‘Willie’ Smith
Acie Williford “Willie” Smith, 91, of Kingsland died Feb. 2, 2012, in Llano. She was born in Offerman, Ga., on June 5, 1920, to Acie Francis and Robie Pearl (Jackson) Bond.
She met Harold Rhodes Smith in Odessa in the fourth grade and became his longtime sweetheart. They graduated from Odessa High School and were married Oct. 14, 1938, in Carlsbad, N.M. The newlyweds began their life together at the J Bar Ranch in Crane County.
She soon learned to cook for all the cowboys and neighboring families during cattle round-ups. She also loved to feed and entertain family and friends during quail and dove seasons.
She worked beside her husband as a ranch wife, yet made time to be a lady. She hosted bridge parties and shared her giving spirit with family and those in need at the hospital and church.
She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother and loyal friend. Everyone appreciated her loving personality and witty sense of humor.
The couple continued the family ranching heritage and provided their descendants the blessings of a treasured lifestyle. They raised their family in the Christian churches of Odessa, where she taught Sunday school and always helped with church functions. The couple retired to their lake home in Kingsland and became members of Kingsland Community Church.
In addition to her husband of 73 years, survivors include son-in-law Ronald Neal Brown of San Angelo; son Calvin Bond Smith and wife Lillian of Crane County; grandchildren Jason Calvin Smith of Crane County, Justin Rhodes Smith and wife Amanda of San Antonio, Jordan Jay Smith of Lubbock and Lindsey June Brown of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; great-grandchildren Lauren Kelley and Leah Carol Smith, Nathan Tyler Smith, Daniel Ryan Smith and Rachel Elizabeth Smith.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Cyril Bond; infant daughter Harolyn Smith; and daughter Carol June (Smith) Brown.
Visitation was Feb. 5 at Putnam Funeral Home in Kingsland. A service was Feb. 6 at Kingsland Community Church with the reverends John Woody and Tommie Beck officiating. A graveside service is 1 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Ector County Cemetery in Odessa with the Rev. Tim Halstead officiating.
An online guest register may be found at www.putnamcares.com.
Pallbearers include grandsons Jason Smith, Justin Smith and Jordan Smith and family friends Danny Stone, Mike Jenkins and Norman Jones.
Memorial contributions may be made to Llano Scott & White Hospice, 1100 Ford St., Llano, TX 78643.
Arrangements by Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory, 145 Texas Ave. in Kingsland, (325) 388-0008.