Talford G. Smith,

Talford Gillespie Smith Jr. (Tal, T.G.), age 76, Garland, Texas joined the heavenly choir, December 13, 2008. Born January 16, 1932 at Methodist Hospital, Dallas, TX, the son of Talford G. Smith Sr and Helen Holbrook Smith. He along with his sisters, Margaret Helen and Norma Jean were raised in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas. While growing up he enjoyed sports, music and friends, these continued to be a great source of enjoyment to him throughout his life. Graduating from Sunset High School in 1950 T.G. furthered his education through studies at UNT, SMU and Temple University, where he was given a Certificate of Appreciation by the Society of Logistics Engineers for his valuable contributions to the development of Logistics Education. While working at Texas Pacific Railway, T.G. met the love of his life, Florence Baker. They were married at East Dallas Christian Church September 29, 1954. Together they raised 2 daughters, Brenda and Becky. T.G. and Florence resided in Dallas, during their early years of marriage, relocating to Hillsboro, and then Lansdale, PA. After 13 years shoveling snow they decided to move back to Texas. They made their home in Waco, Texas where over the next 30 years they enjoyed large family gatherings with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Here they found an extended family in their fellowship at Lakewood Christian Church. To be closer to their family they decided to relocate to Chambrel Retirement Center in Garland, TX, where they were also able to reconnect with friends they had for over 50 years. T.G.s career path began with the ROTC and Naval Reserves. He worked for the Texas Pacific Railway, served the Army in Olympia, WA for 2 years, returning to the Railway for a short period of time. T.G. accepted a job opportunity with Certain-Teed Corporation. During his long career with Certain-Teed and Cameron Wholesale he held several positions including VP of Operations, working in Hillsboro, TX, Ambler, PA, Valley Forge, PA and Waco, TX. He was able to achieve his greatest fulfillment participating and serving with the Texas Pacific Railway Male Chorus, Lakewood Church Choir, Baylor Senior Adult Choir, Hillsboro Masonic Lodge, Meals on Wheels, Deacon and Elder of Lakewood Christian Church and Ombudsman for the State of Texas. In his lifetime he enjoyed golf, reading, bowling, travel, and watching sports. However, his greatest pleasure came from visiting with family and friends. He was known for his humor, fun songs and great story telling abilities. Friends and Church family also knew him for his Angel ministry, taking Guardian Angels to those experiencing difficulties in their life. Now he is an Angel to us all. He is preceded in death by his parents, Talford and Helen Smith; and sister Norma Young Alder of Dallas, Tx. T.G. is survived by wife, Florence Baker Smith of Garland, TX, Daughters and spouses, Brenda and Eddie Johnson of Mesquite, TX; Becky and Daniel Keeper of Dripping Springs, TX; Grandchildren, Chris, Joey and Brian Johnson, Jillian and Grant Keeper and Great Grandchildren, Talor, Cara, Aaron, Brittany, Jasmine, William and Landon Talford Johnson. Sister, Margaret Graham and husband Ron of New Jersey. Brother-in law Jac Alder of Dallas. Nieces and Nephews, Alan and wife Donna Graham; Brian Graham; Cathy Mahr. Visitation- New Hope Funeral Home, 500 E. Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182, Thursday December 18th 6-8pm. Graveside service - Friday December 19th, 9:30am at LaurelLand, 6000 South R.L. Thorton Freeway, Dallas, TX 75232. Memorial Service - Friday December 19th, 1:00pm at Lakewood Christian Church, 6509 Bosque Blvd, Waco, TX 76710. Memorials maybe made to the Good Samaritan Fund Eastridge Park Christian Church, 2701Town East Blvd, Mesquite, TX 75150 or the Lakewood Church Bldg. Fund in memory of Talford G. Smith Jr.