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Morgan Smith, Jr. was born in Cameron, Texas on November 25, 1939, to the late Morgan Smith Sr. and Vera (Black) Smith. He attended schools in Milam County and in Brownfield, TX. He was baptized at an early age. Morgan was a faithful member of Wesley United Methodist Church where he ushered until his health no longer allowed him to serve. He loved the Lord and his Church Family. Morgan met and married the love of his life, Vella Brooks. They were married for 59 years. He was truly a family man that loved his family unconditionally. He was an excellent provider and protector. Morgan was kind and loving with a quiet spirit. He was a man of few words. Morgan developed a passion for riding and (breaking) horses at an early age. He loved working on cars and was quick to tell you what the problem was. His hobbies were playing pool and dominoes. He played well and taught his granddaughters how to play dominoes (chicken foot). Morgan loved to BBQ DEM ribs that everyone loved. He did not slack on cooking his pinto beans and chili beans. He was a dedicated worker. He proudly worked at Browning and Ferris Industries for 35 years. He received numerous honors and safety awards throughout his driving career. The Environmental Industry Association Driver of the year: 1982, 1996, 2001, 2002. Man of the year, BFI Award of Safety 1982 & 1983. The OJ Thomas Alumni Man of the Year 2013, and the National Safety Council Million Mile Club for Outstanding Performance in Driving 1,000,000 miles without a Preventable Accident. He was preceded in death by: Brothers Freddie Smith Sr., Walter Fisher, Tommie Fisher, Charlie Fisher, Bobbie Moore, Sisters Jamie Moody, and Catherine Black. Morgan is survived by: His loving wife of 59 years, Vella B. (Brooks) Smith. His children Harriet Charles of Johnson City, Tennessee, Kinus Phillips (Rev. Willie Phillips Sr.) of Rockdale, TX, LaVera A. Wade (Charles) of Round Rock, TX, Tassy Smith Penn (Michael) of Leander, TX. (Adopted Children): Mary Butler (Pinkney) Tyler, TX, Lois West (Carl), of Garland, TX, Ingrid Morton (Dernard) of Stockbridge, GA, and James Smith (Renee) of Austin, TX. (Grandchildren): Willie E. Phillips, Jr. (Kristy), Rafael Gary (April), Katrina Charles, Shanita Phillips, Trevin R. Wade (Courtney), Bria Penn, TaNia Penn, Annie Wade, Charles Wade Jr., Cedric Lewis, and Amber Robertson (Dennis). (Great Grandchildren): Amiyah Gary, Kaleb Gary, Savannah Wade, Maverick Wade, Willie Kingston Phillips, Zoey Wade, Remington Sakewitz, Gabrielle Robertson, and a host of nieces, nephews, and many friends. (Most Loving Aunt): Gertharine Green. (Sister-in-laws): Ruby Pittman, Bertha Brooks, Jennie Brooks, and Gloria Smith. (Siblings): Gladys Jackson, Melvin Fisher, Johnny B. Fisher (Delores), Luther Johnson (Wilma), Oscar Johnson, Richard Johnson, Velma Johnson, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Morgan Smith Jr.

November 25, 1939 - February 28, 2020