Obituary of James Doyle Smith

James Doyle Smith, 75 years old of Pasadena, Texas went to be with the Lord on October 8, 2017 in Missouri City, TX.  James was born in Sheridan, Arkansas on January 27, 1942 to the late Theodore and Ruby Smith.   He was a member of Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church.  He graduated from Prattsville High School in 1960. James spent his younger life in Arkansas raising his family with the love of his life, Betty Camp, which he married on July 7, 1961.  He then moved to Houston, TX in 1975, making a new life for himself.  His trade in life was a master welder.  He worked with his son, Mike, at Ray Service and Repair until he retired in 2009.  His grandson-in-law, Doug, and grandson, Daniel, were blessed to have worked and learned under his guidance in the custom stainless-steel kitchen fabrication business. 

Motorcycles were one of his loves in life.  He was a member of AMA and the MTA Texas Chapter 1 motorcycle group.  He volunteered many hours to MS-150 and other organizations.  He rode across most of the United States on his Venture with his motorcycle family. He shared his love of bikes with both of his sons. We will cherish many memories of riding bikes with Daddy all across Texas.  His last bike was a yellow Harley, which he never quit talking about, even when he could no longer ride.  He also enjoyed bowling when he was younger and was on several bowling leagues over the years.  James loved watching NASCAR and football with his family.  He loved supporting Kyle Busch during the races and watching his sons cringe when he would win.  He loved to talk and never met a stranger.  He passed that gift down to all of his children. 
James is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Ruby (Kelley) Smith and infant son, Darrell Smith.  He is survived by his siblings, Billy and Peggy Smith of Sheridan, Jimmy (Ruby) Smith of Little Rock.  He leaves behind 3 children:  Michael (Tina) Smith of Stafford, TX; Dana (Neil) Smith of Watertown, South Dakota; and Kelley (Kathrine) Smith of Bauxite, AR.   He was blessed with 5 grandchildren: Priscilla Cole (Doug) of Stafford, TX; Ethan Smith of Tualatin, Oregon; Michaela Smith of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Daniel Smith (Lilly) of Pasadena, TX; Ashley Young (Jeff) of Benton, Arkansas.  Great grandchildren include:  Austin and Olivia Cole, Theodore and Oliver Smith, Hunter and Wyatt Young.  Daddy had a huge family but his love didn't stop there.  He loved his friends and extended family very much.

Funeral Services are Thursday, October 12th at Clayton Funeral Home in 5530 W. Broardway, Pearland, TX  77581.  Viewing will be at 5:00 pm and funeral services at 6:00 pm.   Graveside services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 14th at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, Arkansas, officiated by Robert Ewing.

Friends and family are invited and will be received at 466 Wisteria Dr., Bauxite, AR before and after graveside services.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Amed Hospice Care and Park Manor of Quail Valley Nursing Home, Missouri City, TX for their support in his final days.