IRA ARNOLD SMITH

Ira was born on October 14, 1929 in Salado, Texas to Alfred and Mabel Smith. He passed away, at his home, with his daughter Cindy holding his hand, on Sunday March 16, 2025. 15 months after the loss of his beloved wife.

Ira, nicknamed “Nick” as a child, was the 3rd of 4 children and spent his growing up years in Central Texas. He attended Salado School first grade through high school. Nick played on the school’s football team and broke his leg while punting. He loved to tell grand stories, tales of exploring the Salado Creek. He talked of catching rattlesnakes for a dollar a piece for Dr. Scott (of Scott & White hospital fame). Another story involved Nick, his big brother Bud and their friend Cotton. They were gutsy adventurous types. For fun they would tie broom weed together, then intentionally provoke active nests of bumble bees! As the bees exited the nest, the daring young boys stood back-to-back, broom swatters in hand, and fought off their angry attackers! Upon hearing this story, his daughter Cindy gasped and asked “didn’t y’all get stung?!” To which Nick just laughed and proudly answered, “Of course we did! That was half the fun!”

On October 9, 1948, just shy of his 19th birthday, Nick married the love of his life, Charlotte Jean Groves. He joined the Navy and they spent the first years of marriage in San Diego while he served on the USS Piedmont. Nick was the Communications guy-handling all the communications between the Flagship’s Commanding Officer and the fleet. After California, they returned to Texas and eventually they settled into the house on Sharondale in 1955.

Nick spent the majority of his working career with the US Postal Service. As a letter carrier, he stayed physically fit-always sporting a dark tan and a dog bite or two! The family dog, Pepper, was even gifted to him on a cold winter day by a woman on his delivery route. He carried mail the rest of the day with a little Jack Russel Terrier in his pants pocket- much to the delight of his beautiful wife and two young children. He retired from the post office in 1986. Nick loved to water ski, fish and spend time with family and friends at the lake house on Lake Worth. In later years he loved watching the grandchildren and great grands playing sports and for many years was a staple on the bleachers at University Little League. He enjoyed reading Westerns and learning about history.

Nick and Charlotte were married 75 glorious years and had 3 children together, Steve, Cindy and Wade, 8 grandchildren and a bounty of great grandchildren.

As Nick passed from this earthly world to Heaven, he was reunited with his parents, his sisters and brother, eldest son Nick Steven and youngest great grandchild Max Torres. And, of course with his dear Charlotte, who no doubt, had a paradise pie waiting for him.

Nick leaves behind his loving children, Cindy with her husband Randy, and Wade and his wife Patti. A host of grandchildren Justin Kane, Summer Jean (Mike), Stacey Nicole, Ira Archie, Elisa Jean (Fernando), Austin Reed, Cade Alexander and Walker Brooks and great grandchildren Randall, Lexi, Madison, Mackenzie, Ever, Gabriel, Israel, Enzo, and Quino, Honorary grandchildren Aaron, Clarissa and Danny Calderon and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a small graveside service at Laurel Land Memorial Park on Thursday, March 20, 2025 at 3pm. A memorial service will be scheduled for a later date to include all friends and family to celebrate a long and blessed life.