Paul "Eddie" Edward Smith

Paul Edward (Eddie) Smith, 97, of Gainesville, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2022 in Gainesville.

A graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery Pavilion at 2:00 PM Tuesday, February 15, 2022 with Rev. Martha Hagen-Smith officiating, under the direction of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.  Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the graveside service at the cemetery.

Mr. Smith was born November 19, 1924 in Gainesville to W.J. and Mary Vay Smith.  He graduated from Gainesville High School where he was Student Body President.  Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Air Corp. to serve in WWII.  He flew DC3’s and C47’s, cargo planes, to supply the troops in the European theater.  After the war Eddie returned to Gainesville and remained in the National Guard, retiring as a Major from the USAF.

Eddie met and married his one true love, Ima Jean Holley on July 3, 1948.  They were married 68 years before her passing in 2017.

Over the years Eddie worked at several different jobs, but found his calling as a letter carrier for the US Post Office.  He never met a stranger and knew everyone on his route.  He retired after 27 years.  After retirement he took up furniture building and refinishing.  He loved being in his workshop.

Mr. Smith was a life-long member of Whaley United Methodist Church where he served tirelessly through the years.

Eddie is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Nancy and Steve Brammer of Katy; son Warren (Fuzz) Smith of Gainesville; grandchildren Matt and Heather Brammer of Burleson, Beth and Jared Robinson of Friendswood; six great-grandchildren:  Blakely, Smith, Gavin, Garrison, Landon, and Nicholas; brother-in-law Dwight Holley and his wife Helen of Gainesville; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Ima Jean, his parents, brother W.J. Smith, Jr., and sister Icylene.

In leu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Whaley UMC, 701 Rosedale Dr., Gainesville, TX 76240.