Franklin D Smith

Franklin D. Smith, age 92, of Palestine, Texas, departed this life peacefully on Saturday, the 5th day of October 2024.  He was born in Ryan, Oklahoma on the 20th day of August 1932 to parents Everette Lee Smith and Gladys Lee Weatherly.

Mr. Smith proudly served his country as an Army veteran, with tours of duty in both Korea and Vietnam. His long career in the military was marked by dedication and honor, shaping a life of discipline and service that inspired all who knew him. He carried the values of his military experience throughout his life, long after his retirement from the service.

Beyond his military career, Mr. Smith was an enthusiastic sports fan. He had an unwavering love for football and baseball, and a particular devotion to the Oklahoma Sooners and the Houston Astros. His spirited support for his teams was only matched by his playful disdain for the Dallas Cowboys. His passion for the games often brought his family and friends together, creating cherished memories around spirited debates and exciting games.

Above all, Mr. Smith was an exceptional grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren will remember him as a figure of immense love and joy. He had the unique ability to make each of them feel profoundly special and loved, and his absence will leave a space that cannot be filled.

Those who knew Mr. Smith will remember him as a loving, courageous, and passionate man. His life was a testament to the strength of character and the depth of affection he had for those around him. Mr. Smith's memory will be carried on in the hearts of his daughters, Mary Ellen Moseley and husband Andrew, and JoAnn Salge; son, Gordon Smith; grandchildren, Wesley Hart and wife Lori, Timothy Hart and wife Katrina, Dennis Ellison and wife Misty, Keith Ellison and wife Courtney, Tammy Vega and husband Daniel, Bill Salge, and Jeri Lee Smith.  He also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents Everette and Gladys Smith, wife Alice J. Mattis-Smith, and seven other siblings.

Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family and share memories of Franklin Smith from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Friday, the 11th day of October 2024 in the Molly Ray Room of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19 in Palestine. Concluding the visitation, military honors will be presented to the family.

At a later date, Mr. Smith will be laid to rest in Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington next to his loving wife.

Services for Franklin D. Smith are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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