Sid Smith

Sidney Ercil Smith, of Richmond, Texas, departed on the morning of Friday, December 1, 2023. Sid was a huge-hearted giant of a man and a friend to so many.
 

Sid was born in Wichita, Kansas on July 6, 1948 to parents Ruth and Harley. When he was little, he moved with his family to Long Beach, California. There, at the local field and courts, he spent hours playing sports. Graduating as a Wilson High Bruin, Sid received a full scholarship to play as offensive lineman for USC — the “Wichita lineman.” But far beyond this, the best part of high school is that he met his future wife Cynthia (nee Murray); as “high school sweethearts,” Sid and Cynthia were married for 53 years, years filled with so many fun-loving memories, in the good times and the difficult times too.
 

When Sid was signed in the first round draft pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, he and Cynthia moved to Kansas City, and a few years later Sid was recruited to play center for the Houston Oilers. With this, Sid moved to a place he loved to call home: Houston. In time, Sid established himself as a residential contractor, building beautiful homes in the area, particularly in Sugar Creek. In the 1980s Sid joined State Farm and put his legendary salesman skills and caring spirit to work for 31 years. Also in the ‘80s Sid’s two children were born, Jessica and Luke, whom he nurtured with love every day of their childhood.
 

Then, in 2009, Sid realized a dream he had carried since a young boy on his newspaper route, when he would stop at the local donut shop: Sid opened a Shipley Donuts in Greatwood and then another one in Telfair. Customers coming in for a glazed donut and coffee looked forward to saying “Hi” to Sid, who was always ready to shoot the breeze with anyone. He liked to live by his motto “get on the team bus” and for many years coached high school football locally. A hobby historian of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sid loved stories of fortitude. All of his resilience came to the fore during his numerous injuries; when he became an amputee, his grit and humor were constant allies. Sid always took great delight in everyday things — a song on the radio, a good book, yard work, a tricky puzzle, a yummy meal. Along the way, personal connections were Sid’s deepest treasure; the amount of people he helped, advised, encouraged, and cheered on is immeasurable, usually with a goofy joke and a lot of fun — and wisdom.
 

In all this, Sid Smith reflects the Lord he loved and worshiped as Savior and Friend, giving those around him a tangible insight into God’s kind love. When you were with Sid, you had a hunch everything was going to be okay. In his words, “It’s all good!”
 

Sid is survived by his beautiful wife Cynthia, his children Jessica and Luke, his daughter-in-law Paulina, his son-in-law Simon, and his grandson Calder; his brother Greg and his sister Kimber; his sisters-in-law Alice and Laura, brother-in-law Charles; nephews Matthew, Austin, and Alex and nieces Hayley and Charlotte. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Harley Smith, his brother Harley Jr., his brother-in-law Joe, his sister-in-law Michelle, and his niece Stacie. All these people were so dear to him, he shaped his life to help us. We will miss you, Sid, and we will rejoice in your life and your faith.

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The December 27 memorial for Sid has been canceled. If you'd like to pay your respects, please share a kindness, share a memory, or donate to one of his favorite charities.

Sidney Smith

- Born July 1948

- Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Son, Uncle, Coach, Boss, Lead Dog and All-Around Great Man

- Went to heaven December 2023.

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"It's All Good!"
"Get on the team bus!"