Holice Wade Smith

Holice Wade Smith, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in the early morning hours of September 26, 2024, in Odessa, TX.

Born on August 17, 1935, in Bixby, OK to Lee and Bea Smith, Holice was just as funny as he was kind, known for his gentle spirit and loving nature. He was a joyful follower of Jesus who dedicated his life to his family, and he passed down his most wonderful traits to the legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren he leaves behind.

Holice's memory will be carried on by his survivors: his wife of 67 years, Nancy Smith; children, Tony (Lisa) Smith, LuAnn (Bill) Smith; daughter-in-law, Sherrie Smith; grandchildren, Crystal Smith, Tyler (Alexandra) Smith, Samantha (Jeremy) Gonzales, Madeline Smith, Hollie (Brian) Young, Kate Smith; and four great-grandchildren, Sunny Lynn Henry, Violet Elyse Henry, Titus Wade Smith, and Elaina Jane Gonzales. 

A chorus was waiting for Holice at the gates of Heaven as he was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Monroe Smith and Iona Beatrice (Boggs) Smith; siblings, Beatrice Estelle (Smith) Williford, Albert Leon Smith, Edith Louise (Smith) Bryant, Willie Floyd Smith; and his beloved son, Scotty Lynn Smith.

Holice was one of the lucky ones. He had a job he loved, and he worked for the same company for over 40 years. Though the company name changed over the years from Kobe, Inc. to Baker to Trico and Weatherford, Holice had a steady career working his way from field jobs to middle management in the service department, and finally as a sales representative, until he retired in 1999. Holice will be remembered as a hard worker; a loving husband, Daddy and Papaw; a stellar basketball player in his youth; and an avid football fan later in life. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to West Texas Oncology, Dr. Bora and nurses for their kind compassionate care over the last 6 years. As Holice's grandson would say, Papaw didn't have to deal with cancer. Cancer had to deal with him. 

A memorial service will be held at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Holice's memory may be made to Samaritan's Purse, honoring his example of Jesus's love and compassion.