OBITUARY: William Wimp Smyth, 82, of Horseshoe Bay dies April 12, 2013

William “Bill” Wimp Smyth, 82, of Horseshoe Bay, Texas, passed away April 12, 2013. Born Oct. 17, 1930, in Dallas, he was the son of Richard and Virginia Garrett Wimp.

Bill grew up in Lufkin, where he graduated from Lufkin High School in 1948. He went to Baylor University in Waco on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1952. He then volunteered for the Air Force during the Korean War in 1952 and received the National Defense Medal and successfully completed officer’s training at Lackland Air Force Base. Bill also completed radio officer’s school, rose to 1st lieutenant and was honorably discharged in 1954 at the end of the Korean War.

He began working for Rexall Drugs, which soon led to a long career on the cutting edge of the computer age working for UNIVAC, U.C.C. and Data Point in San Antonio.

After retiring from the computer industry, he took a position with Frost Oil Co. working for Ben Patterson, who soon became more of a brother than a boss, overseeing the Hackberry Ranch. This was a true passion for him, as he loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing and enjoying the beauty of God’s creatures.

Following this chapter in his life, Bill spent 10 years working for an international evangelist, Sammy Tippit, managing his business and then later traveling to the Far East and European countries and sharing God’s love and message for His people.

He ultimately retired to Horseshoe Bay, spending time hunting, fishing and enjoying his grandbabies.

Bill and Frances Smyth were married on Christmas Day in 1952 in Uvalde and were happily married for more than 60 years. Bill was most recently a member of First Baptist Church in Marble Falls, but over the years, he and Frances were members of multiple church families where he served as a deacon, elder, teacher and mentor. He was admired and loved by all who knew him. He was a man of God who never waivered, a testimony to all he encountered. His love for God was obvious and endless.

He was funny, kind, witty, smart, loving, giving and a blessing to all. He loved to write poetry and always made God the center of his message. His poems are many and will be cherished. He will be missed! He is now with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Robert Wimp and Wayne Wimp.

He is survived by his wife, Frances Smyth of Horseshoe Bay; sister, Pat Brazil of Lufkin; sons, Jeff Smyth and wife Malissa of San Antonio and Paul Smyth and wife Pat of Colleyville; and daughter, Melissa White and husband Ed of Georgetown. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Matthew White, Rachel Unclebach, Ashton Smyth, Eric Smyth, Tiffany Middlebrooks, Nathan Smyth and Lauren Smyth; and great-grandchildren, Payton Rowland, Jackson White, Aiden Unclebach, Jacob White and Cameron Unclebach.

A funeral service is 10 a.m. April 20 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Ross and Ken Harp officiating. Interment is 1:30 p.m. April 23 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Paul Smyth, Eric Smyth, Jeff Smyth, Nathan Smyth, Ed White, Matt White, Allen Tucker and Tray Middlebrooks.

Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 U.S. 281 North in Marble Falls, (830) 693-4373. Condolences may be offered at www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.