Carl Clinton Smith 1944 - 2026
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Tom Estes
Apr 18, 2026, 3:42:15 PM (10 days ago) Apr 18
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Carl Clinton Smith died peacefully in his sleep on April 14, 2026. Carl was born to Carl Valen and Betty Jo Smith on Feb 3, 1944 in Corpus Christi, TX. Carl was the oldest of four children and spent his childhood on a 128-acre farm just outside of Corpus Christi, playing Cowboys and Indians with his brothers and getting into mischief with friends.
Carl was a “pretty big deal” at Carrol High School where he played football and served as FFA President. After high school his dad and Uncle Nolan convinced him to give college a try. He attended Texas A&I University where he earned a scholarship playing football and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1967 and later earning a master’s degree in1972.
In May of 1965 at a dance hall in Riviera, Carl met Nancy. It didn’t take long for the two love birds to get engaged. Although Nancy’s parents wanted her to finish college first, they couldn’t wait. They officially tied the knot at St. John’s Lutheran Church on July 2, 1966.
Carl had several careers and jobs over the years. Early on he worked for the Soil Conservation Service and spent several years farming with Nancy’s Uncle George. Later he joined Bishop ISD as a junior high science teacher and football coach. He taught Physical Science at Bishop High School most of his career. He also worked as a bus driver and insurance agent for several years to support his family. In 2001 he retired from education and became a man of leisure. Although he spent most of his career in his words, “stomping out ignorance”, he would later say his favorite job was the years spending farming with Nancy’s Uncle George.
Carl and Nancy built a wonderful life together in Bishop. They raised four children, who were their pride and joy. Carl truly enjoyed his retirement and golden years. He loved deer hunting and spending time at “Nancy’s Ranch” with friends and family. He loved getting on his antique tractor and growing all sorts of vegetables in his garden. He spent hours piddling in his barn, watching football, and working on various projects. You could often find him in his big blue chair or on his patio, relaxing with a cup of black coffee or a glass of Nancy tea. He was a connoisseur of pecan pie, menudo, and chicken fried venison.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Valen and Betty Jo Smith, brothers Kenneth Smith and John Lee Smith, two of his precious grandchildren Lucy Smith and Lilly Walton, and the love of his life Nancy Fay Smith, his wife of 58 years.
He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Dee (Matt) Evans, Samantha (Michael) Walton, Jeff (Meredith) Smith, and Rebecca (Jason) Darling. His grandchildren Trent Evans, Andrew (Vanessa) Juelg, Beau, Lee & Ty Smith, Annabelle, Emily, & Kira Goldstein, Tanner, Taylor & Hunter Darling. His great grands Dalton & Dylan Juelg. Carl is also survived by his sister Susie (Jesse) Amaya and numerous nieces & nephews and grand nieces & nephews.
Carl was a great storyteller, a loyal friend and husband, and a warm and loving father and grandfather. He loved to make people laugh and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He ended Nancy’s eulogy with, “Rest in peace, or at least until I get there”. Although he will be deeply missed here on Earth, we can all rest assured that he is in heaven dancing a waltz with his “honky -tonk queen”. Rest in peace, Carl.
In May of 1965 at a dance hall in Riviera, Carl met Nancy. It didn’t take long for the two love birds to get engaged. Although Nancy’s parents wanted her to finish college first, they couldn’t wait. They officially tied the knot at St. John’s Lutheran Church on July 2, 1966.
Carl had several careers and jobs over the years. Early on he worked for the Soil Conservation Service and spent several years farming with Nancy’s Uncle George. Later he joined Bishop ISD as a junior high science teacher and football coach. He taught Physical Science at Bishop High School most of his career. He also worked as a bus driver and insurance agent for several years to support his family. In 2001 he retired from education and became a man of leisure. Although he spent most of his career in his words, “stomping out ignorance”, he would later say his favorite job was the years spending farming with Nancy’s Uncle George.
Carl and Nancy built a wonderful life together in Bishop. They raised four children, who were their pride and joy. Carl truly enjoyed his retirement and golden years. He loved deer hunting and spending time at “Nancy’s Ranch” with friends and family. He loved getting on his antique tractor and growing all sorts of vegetables in his garden. He spent hours piddling in his barn, watching football, and working on various projects. You could often find him in his big blue chair or on his patio, relaxing with a cup of black coffee or a glass of Nancy tea. He was a connoisseur of pecan pie, menudo, and chicken fried venison.
He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Valen and Betty Jo Smith, brothers Kenneth Smith and John Lee Smith, two of his precious grandchildren Lucy Smith and Lilly Walton, and the love of his life Nancy Fay Smith, his wife of 58 years.
He is also survived by his children and their spouses, Dee (Matt) Evans, Samantha (Michael) Walton, Jeff (Meredith) Smith, and Rebecca (Jason) Darling. His grandchildren Trent Evans, Andrew (Vanessa) Juelg, Beau, Lee & Ty Smith, Annabelle, Emily, & Kira Goldstein, Tanner, Taylor & Hunter Darling. His great grands Dalton & Dylan Juelg. Carl is also survived by his sister Susie (Jesse) Amaya and numerous nieces & nephews and grand nieces & nephews.
Carl was a great storyteller, a loyal friend and husband, and a warm and loving father and grandfather. He loved to make people laugh and enjoyed the simple pleasures in life. He ended Nancy’s eulogy with, “Rest in peace, or at least until I get there”. Although he will be deeply missed here on Earth, we can all rest assured that he is in heaven dancing a waltz with his “honky -tonk queen”. Rest in peace, Carl.
Celebration of Life Saturday, May 30, 2026 - 10:30 am
St. John Lutheran Church - Bishop, Texas
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