Ernest B. Smith

Ernest “Ernie” Balaam Smith of Keller, TX died peacefully of natural causes August 11, 2015 at 93. Ernie was born July 6, 1922, in Monroe, Louisiana to Arthur and Virginia Pellegrin Smith. Ernie spent much of his childhood in Somerset, Kentucky. At age 12 he delivered milk for Sears Dairy, and at age 14 he was a soda jerk at Tibbals Drug Store. He was always proud of these jobs. After graduating from Somerset High School in 1940, Ernie went to Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. In 1941, Ernie joined the U.S. Navy and served as a medic during the Second World War, opting to save lives instead of take them. While training at the U. S. Naval Hospital in San Diego, he met Betty Jean Becker, who would become the love of his life. They married April 21, 1944 and remained so for 69 happy years. They dedicated their lives to the church and to being kind and open. Soon after their marriage Ernie served on the island of Iwo Jima during the time of the flag raising. He helped to occupy Japan at the end of the war after the bombs dropped. After the war, Ernie returned to college and graduated with a degree in Biology. Next, Ernie attended the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and he graduated with a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1952.
From here Ernie followed his calling to be a pastor and was ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church July 27, 1952. He served churches in Corinth, Mississippi, Campbellsville and Owensboro, Kentucky, Jonesboro and Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. In addition, Ernie served as Executive Presbyter of Muhlenberg Presbytery in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Ernie was a loving pastor who sought to be faithful to his calling by God and was God’s servant all of the days of his life.
Ernie is survived by his son, David Smith and his wife, Tyana of Clarksville, Tennessee, and his daughter, Carol Slack and her husband, Jim Slack of Keller, Texas. He has two grandchildren, Michael Slack and Katie Slack, both of Denton, Texas. Ernie has two surviving siblings: Lucille Fouke of Toledo, OH and James D. Smith of Lake Mary, Florida.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Jean (Becker) Smith and his sisters, Dorothy Smith and Mary Smith.
A memorial service will be held at Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines Saturday, September 12, 2015 at noon. The Kirk is located at 275 Asturias Dr., Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Memorials can be made to the Kirk.

Services Arranged by: Lucas Funeral Home - Keller 817-753-6800