Douglas Smith

Douglas Smith, age 94, of Gatesville passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Valley Mills Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at Scott’s Funeral Home in Gatesville. Doug was born on January 21, 1922 in Valley Mills, Texas to Charlie and Lottie Smith. He was the youngest of eight children. Doug graduated from Valley Mills High School. He attended Texas A & M University before joining the U.S. Navy and serving in WWII. He married Mary Lee Allen on April 2, 1944, and they were married for 65 years until her death in December 2009. After the war, Doug and Mary Lee returned to Valley Mills where he went into the Wool and Mohair business with his father. In January 1959, Doug moved his business to Gatesville. He became an active member of the community, serving on the school board for several years. In 1970, Doug was elected Coryell County Judge. He served in that capacity for 20 years. During his tenure, he served as the President of the Texas County Judge and Commissioners Association. He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Gatesville. Doug is survived by his daughter, Sheryl McNee and husband, Jim of Houston; son, Doak Smith and wife, Betty of Mound; grandchildren, Nancy Newell and husband, Matt of Houston, Blake Smith of Austin, and James Douglas McNee and wife, Julie of Houston; and great-grandsons, Owen McNee, Luke McNee, and Hayes Newell. Memorials may be made to Valley Mills Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 253, Valley Mills, TX 76689 or to the charity of your choice.