James Wayland Smith

Born December 10, 1941 in Ola, Arkansas to Velma and Herman Smith. James graduated from Alvin High School in 1960 and attended Sam Houston State University, after which he honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1962 through 1967. On November 22, 1971 he married Betty Hastings from San Antonio. James owned several successful construction businesses. James was a 32-Degree Master Mason and a member of Lonnie Irwin Daylight Lodge #1309 in San Antonio, having earned his forty-year pin. He was also a member of Scottish Rite, Noble Shrine and Royal Court of Jesters. James was a life member of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition for over 45 years. He began his work on the Auction Committee and became chairman of the Go Western Gala Committee, in 1982. For over a decade his hard work of leadership firmly established new dimensions in raising donations for the scholarship fund. He received the Lifetime Director Emeritus award from the San Antonio Livestock Exposition in 2003. James retired to his 5-S Ranch in Adkins, Texas, raising Texas Longhorn cattle and enjoying his family, which was his proudest achievement. James Wayland Smith entered the gates of heaven on Thursday, February 28, 2019 at the age of 77. James was preceded in death by his parents Velma and Herman Smith of Alvin, Texas. Survivors include his loving wife Betty, son Dale Smith (Rose), son Damon Smith (Sylvia) and daughter, Jennifer Smith-Stuart. Grandchildren: Meagan Smith (Wes), David Valdez (Tanja), Cody Smith, Taylor Smith, Blaney Stuart and Patsy Garcia. Great-grandchildren; Braden, Joseph, Elizabeth, Alvin, Raina and Jake. James’ sister, Patsy Smith Zumwalt, niece Julie, husband Mike Pyburn and great nephew and niece, Luke and Layne Pyburn of Alvin, Texas.