Donald Gene Smith, 73, of Spring died Thursday, May 19, 2011. He was the father of Jill Belinda of Port Aransas.

Smith was born Aug. 2, 1937, in Borger to the late Ray and Ruby Smith.

He was recruited by Bear Bryant to play football at Texas A&M where he was a threeyear letterman before graduating in 1959. After coaching high school football for several years, he spent the rest of his career in the oil field industry. He was a member of Christ Church United Methodist in The Woodlands.

Preceeding him in death were his sister, Cora Lee Loudon, and his daughter’s mother, Sandra De Ann Smith.

Besides his daughter, survivors include his wife of 16 years, Lillian Smith of Spring; step-daughter, Kelly (David) Quick of Milwaukee, Wis.; grandchildren, Nathan Ray Smith-Lorrain and Katherine Coerver; brother, Ralph Wayne Smith of Granbury; nephew, Cameron Powell Smith; and nieces, Jan and Sharon.

A celebration of Smith’s life was held Monday, May 23, at Christ Church United Methodist. To sign the register book, or to offer your memories, visit www.forestparkthewoodlands.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.