T J Smith, 83, of Olton, died Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Olton, Texas.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the First Baptist Church, in Olton, with Brother David Azam and Pastor Paul Cypert officiating.  Interment will follow at Olton Cemetery under the direction of Ramage Funeral Directors.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, May 24, 2024, at Ramage Funeral Directors in Olton.  The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m., at Robin and Jacquie's home, west of town, Friday evening, May 24.

T J was born January 26, 1941, in his home, on the farm, east of Olton, Texas, to Norman and Clemmie (Richards) Smith. He began farming in the late 1950's and for over 60 years he enjoyed the farming life.  On September 3, 1961, T J married the love of his life, Joyce Gray, and they were married near 63 years.

T J was an exceptional farmer and area farmers often referred to him as "the best cotton farmer in Hale County." He loved the ocean, fishing, hunting, and playing just about any game that included a card or a domino.  A talented artist, T J could draw just about anything but was really good at caricatures and cartoon characters. He would sharpen his drawing pencils with his pocket knife and had drawn caricatures of everyone in the family.

T J had friends from young to old and was known as Papa to all. His philosophy in life was "If you love others, then they'll love you" and he lived just that way.  T J will be missed by all, friends and family alike.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Clemmie Smith, his son, Gregg Smith, in 2003, and two brothers, Bud Smith and Odell Smith.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Joyce Smith of Olton, his daughter, Jacquie Spain and husband Robin of Olton, and two sisters, Neva Wade and Norma Kennedy, both of Olton. He was blessed with six grandchildren: Erik Spain and Gabi, Nikki Boedeker and husband Derrik, Rebekah Spain, Chloe Smith and husband Chris, Krista Luckie and husband Will, and Chisum Smith and eight great-grandchildren: Kingston, Scarlette, Madeline, Lainey, Kaydence, Emerson, Aislinn, and Brodie.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Olton Cemetery Association PO Box 1055 Olton, Texas 79064 or Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association PO Box 1087 Olton, Texas 79064.