Wayne Smith

Wayne L. Smith, 84, of Abilene passed away Saturday August 10, 2024.  Memorial services will be held Tuesday August 13, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., at Beltway Park Church South Campus Chapel followed by a burial in Merkel, TX.  Visitation will take place Monday August 12, 2024, from 6p.m.-8 p.m at Starbucks Funeral Home in Merkel. 

Wayne L. Smith was born May 11, 1940 in Ranger, TX to Robert Carlton (R.C.) and Ollie (Powell) Smith.  He was the oldest of 2 sons.  Being raised in Cisco, Tx he graduated from Cisco High School in 1958.  Wayne moved to Abilene the summer of 1958 to work for Furr’s grocery store.  He met Nelda Janelle Farmer at Calvary Baptist Church and they were married there on December 24. 1959. Together they had one son, Tommy Smith, and two daughters, Alicyn Tidwell and Trudi Brooks. They were married for 57 years before Nelda went to be with the Lord.

Wayne had a passion for model trains.  In 1991 he was a charter member of Abilene Model Railroaders, where he served as an officer.  Wayne had an entire room in his home set up with a model train city.  The grandchildren loved to spend time watching and learning how to operate the trains. Wayne loved to show off his trains.  Wayne also enjoyed building things out of old wood for his family.  Things like wooden coolers, wooden trash cans, and wooden framed mirrors are some of pieces his family treasures. 

Wayne worked in transportation as a truck driver from 1965 to 2006 when he retired. Some of his employment included Swift Packing Company, Gooch Packing Company from 1965-1979, Merchants from 1979- 1997, Ab-Tex Beverage (Pepsico), and Central Freight from 1998 to 2006 when he retired. He returned part time at Pepsico and completely retired in 2015. He also worked for the Texas Highway Department where he helped build I-20 through Taylor County. 

Wayne was a member of the local civil defense unit known as Taylor County Rescue Squad from 1962 to 1970.  He helped to retrieve bodies from the lakes, fought grass fires, participated in safety demonstrations, patrolled the lakes, and assisted in flooding to name a few things. 

Wayne was proceeded in death by his wife Nelda Smith, his son Tommy Smith, his parents R.C. and Ollie Smith, his twin brother at birth, and younger brother Sammy Smith.

Survivors include two daughters, Trudi Brooks (Terry) and Alicyn Tidwell.  12 Grandchildren, Clay Smith (Tiffany), Shawn Strevel, Shauna McArthur (Clint), R.C Smith (Amanda), Joshua Jones (Caitlyn), Kenzie Leija (Jerry), Tanner Rees (Faith), Tristan Mask (Xena), Ecko Tidwell (James), Blaze Brooks (Genesis), Ariana Tidwell, and Austin Tidwell.  12 great grandchildren Sterling, Kaytlyn, Anna, Zach, Candice, Shambrey, Caselyn, Siana, Lilah, Reid, Leo, Karter, Colson, Selena, an aunt, cousins and numerous friends. 

Pallbearers are grandsons Clay, R.C., Shawn, Tanner, Tristan, Blaze, and Austin. 

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