Wayne A. "Snuffy" Smith

Funeral services for Chief Wayne A. “Snuffy” Smith, 65, of Gladewater will be held 2:00 p.m. at the New Beginnings Baptist Church in Spring Hill on Monday, January 4, 2021 with Bro. Ricky Wallace officiating. Interment will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery in Gladewater. The family will receive friends Sunday from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Croley Funeral Home in Gladewater. Chief Smith passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2020, in Gladewater at his home.

Chief Smith was born January 16, 1955 in Gilmer to the late Herbert Wayne Smith and Alice Marie (Jones) Smith. He married Cathy Lynn Hancock on September 1, 1978 and they spent 42 years together. He was a dedicated servant to the people of Gladewater and served as the Fire Chief for more than 27 years. He was named Gladewater Chamber of Commerce’s “Man of the Year” in 2010. He also was a member of the Lions Club, where he served as president in 2012. Chief Smith was a friend to all and always ready to lend a helping hand.

Chief Smith was a Master Firefighter and also an instructor for the Texas A&M Fire School as well as an instructor at the Texas Municipal Fire School. He also served as President of the Kilgore College Fire Academy Board, Vice President LEPC, and was the Safety Officer at the Texas Eastman Fire School. He graduated from Gladewater High School in 1973 and studied at Kilgore College earning an Associate Degree of Applied Science.

He is survived by his loving wife Cathy Lynn Smith; two sons Randy Smith and wife Chantel; their children Audrey and Christina, Brian Smith; his children Kyler and Chance; two sisters Brenda House and husband Randy, Beverly Tryon and husband Darrell; three brothers Jerry Smith, John Smith and wife Lynn and Roger Smith and wife Joanne; numerous nieces, nephews and other loving family and friends.