In Memory of Jack Shelton Smith

Jack Shelton Smith was born on January 20, 1938, in Blanco, Texas as the only child of Clarence Weldon and Ima Hoffman Smith. He spent much of his life here in Blanco, where everyone knew him as Shelton. A little boy who loved hunting and stomping through the woods with his guns; his life was forever changed, when at 10 years old, he made the acquaintance of an old Native American named Ball Coone. This gentleman taught Shelton how to craft a real bow from a special tree limb and he was hooked. Now it was guns, hunting, and archery.

Shelton loved the sport of archery and perfected his skills enough to compete and become a champion archer. He won many awards; including a National Title and even qualified for the Olympics. Unfortunately, his Olympic dreams ran short when his team sponsor backed out after learning the event wouldn't be televised! Olympic disappointment didn't keep him from competing though, and he went on to proudly represent the Wing Archery Company which allowed him to obtain the most up-to-date equipment. He proudly shared his love of archery with family and friends alike, enthusiastically ready to pass on his knowledge to the next generation.

Shelton also excelled at organized sports. He was Co-Captain of the football team and played the positions of running back and quarterback. His senior year, Shelton made all-district, was elected the F.H.A. Beau, and the Carnival King. He graduated in 1956 ready to begin his life as an adult but was always happy to reminisce about his childhood to any willing listener over a cup of coffee.

When Shelton was 15 years old, in 1952, the Blanco School Board hired a new superintendent. The family moved next door with their daughter, Margaret, and it didn't take long for the two of them to fall in love. They married in 1957 and started their lives together. The newlyweds moved to Corpus Christi where Shelton, or Jack, as he was known professionally, began working for the HEB grocery company. He worked as an assistant manager, a store manager, a district manager, the company head of inventory processing and even as a location scout in Northern Mexico. Four children, nine moves, an abundance of company awards, special recognitions and 42 years later; Shelton decided it was time to retire from HEB so he could focus on his three greatest loves: family, outdoor sports, and Jesus.

All Shelton's life his parents taught him to go to church and love his Lord. His father served as a Deacon and an Elder in the Blanco Church of Christ and Shelton followed in his footsteps, serving as a Deacon in both Blanco and Del Rio. Shelton's favorite expression of love for Jesus was through song. His father once said: "Well, you didn't have the personality for a preacher of the Word, so you'll have to be a song leader instead." This wasn't hard for Shelton, as he came from a family who loved to sing. They spent many Saturday nights and rainy days together singing praises to our Lord. Shelton attended a singing school during his summer vacations where he became an accomplished song leader with a beautiful, clear voice. He passed on the love of singing by teaching his own family who learned to enjoy it as much as he did.

Shelton made good on his retirement plans to focus on his hobbies. He could often be found in his woodworking shop covered in cedar shavings while lovingly creating pieces for his family. He would spend hours at his reloading table eagerly planning his next big hunt or refurbishing a well-used firearm. Never one to pass up an opportunity to serve his church family; he was always ready to lead his congregation in a hymn or two…or twelve. If you ever needed advice, a fishing buddy or a healthy dose of tough love, Shelton Smith was the man for you.

Preceded in death by his parents Clarence and Ima Smith. Survived by his wife Margaret Smith, eldest daughter Tavia Lea Smith, twin daughters Sandra Davis and husband Larry of Del Rio, Linda Reagan and husband John of Knippa and Danah McClelland of Blanco. Grandchildren Cody Reagan and wife Meghan of Lexington, Samantha Davis of Del Rio, Chelsea Kritz and husband Michael of Peyton CO, Shaun Davis, and wife Crystal of Del Rio, Kyle Davis of Ganado, and Dustin McClelland of Blanco; as well as 8 great grandchildren.

He answered to many different names in his lifetime: Son, Student, Hunter, Friend, Husband, Daddy, and Papa. Most importantly, Jack Shelton Smith's name had been written in the book of life and that name was called to Heaven to pass from this world to be with his Lord on January 29, 2024, at the age of 86. He will be remembered by those who loved him in life every time we pull a keepsake out of a cedar box; every time we pull back the string of a bow; and every time we raise our voices to the Lord in song.

Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, February 2, 2024 at Crofts – Crow Funeral Home in Blanco.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday in the Chapel of Crofts – Crow Funeral Home.  Interment will follow in Blanco Cemetery.