William Lawrece Smith of Allen, Texas passed away on October 19, 2018 at the age of 79. He was born on April 9, 1939 in Alamogordo, New Mexico to Lawrence and Bernice (Holt) Smith. Lawrece was a graduate of Texas Tech University with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics. He proudly served his country as a 1st Lieutenant Artillery in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, Judith Lynne Hilgers on October 13, 1962 in Amarillo, Texas. Upon his Honorable Discharge from the Army, Lawrece and Judy moved to Minnesota where they raised their three children and Bill (as he was known professionally) enjoyed a stellar career at Sperry Univac (now known as Unisys). He served as an elder of the Richfield Church of Christ. In 1987, they returned to the warmer climate of Dallas to continue his career with Verifone and Saraide. He was a long-time member and (former) elder of the Waterview Church of Christ in Richardson, Texas. Above all else, Lawrece loved God and enjoyed teaching countless bible classes. Among Lawrece’s last words of wisdom to his family was to never let go of God’s hand.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Judy of Allen, Texas; daughter, Kari Smith of Melissa, Texas; son, Gerry Smith and wife, Angela of Richardson, Texas; grandchildren, Madeline and Daniel Smith; son-in-law Ken Martin of Spring, Texas and grandchildren Emily, Ryan and Jonathan Martin and Jonathan’s wife, Madeline and numerous other loving family and friends.
Lawrece was preceded in death by his precious daughter, Casandra Martin.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Waterview Church of Christ, 1409 North Waterview Drive, Richardson, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas.
Memorial donations may be made to the Breakfast for Children Program in Managua, Nicaragua. Please make checks payable to: Waterview Church of Christ (with the notation of Breakfast Program/Smith).