Lynn Smith Jr.

A true Texan, Lynn Smith Jr. was born November 22nd, 1927 in Luling, TX to Lynn Smith Sr. and Sally “Wootsie” Davis Smith.  The family moved to Gonzales where Lynn Jr. attended Gonzales High School and played on the football team.

He attended Baylor University where he played the saxophone and clarinet in the orchestra.  His love of big band music was locked in; Count Basie and Glen Miller were his favorites.  He also participated on the boxing team. Shortly after college, he married Janet Laurence, his lifetime love and partner, and never left her side.

Lynn Jr. helped his father run the Lynn Theatre until he found his true passion: ranching.  A love of animals and stewardship of the land was something he cherished throughout his life.  He served in the Army and was Lieutenant Colonel in the national guard. He also belonged to the Independent Cattlemen’s Assoc., NRA, Oddfellows Lodge and was named Citizen of the Year in the 1980s.  He served on the Boards of Directors for the Gonzales Warm Springs Foundation, Luling Foundation Farm and Groos Bank.  He was active in Gonzales County politics and the community, emceeing the Come and Take It Parade for many years.

He loved the Presbyterian Church and served as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday school teacher.  His favorite hobbies were hunting and fishing, playing cards and dominoes, reading, and telling the best stories. He never backed down from a challenge, earning the nickname “Chief.”

Lynn Jr. wasn’t just our Grandad, he was Grandad to all our friends too.  He treasured time with family and welcomed everyone with open arms to join in a meal, a party, the church and everywhere in between.

He is survived by wife Janet Smith, daughters Loy Smith and Lynnette Cooper, grandchildren Nicole Cooper and Slade (Courtney) Cooper, and great grandchildren Davis Cooper and Nash Cooper.

Services will be held Friday, November 17^th, 2023.  The graveside ceremony will be at 10 am at Oddfellows Cemetery. Pallbearers: Dell Whiddon, Bradley Baker, Dr. Bruce McKee, Paul Cooper, George Reese, and Bennie Davis. Honorary pallbearers: Truman Tootie Dupree, John Mohrmann, Bryan Denman, Robert Ramos, Dr. Terry Eska, Richard Houser, and David Shelton.  A memorial service will follow at 11 am in the Presbyterian Church, with lunch immediately following downstairs.  Please join the family in celebrating the life of Lynn Smith Jr. If you feel so moved, in lieu of flowers, please donate to the “PDC - Presbyterian Children’s School” in Gonzales, TX. Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.