After a 5 month illness, Val Harold Smith passed peacefully from this life on November 14, 2013 to be with our Lord and Savior.
Val was born on February 19, 1942 in Denton, TX. His life long love for weather and music began when he was a young child growing up in Pilot Point, TX. During his lifetime there, he was the local weather reporter, his father's assistant at their two family owned businesses, Sundial Nursing Home and Smith Funeral Home, and the librarian for the first library there. Val attended North Texas State University and graduated from Pilot Point High School. He had a special gift of talent to play the piano and was the pianist of the rock-'n'-roll band The Rockabouts through his high school and college years. He later relocated with his family to Vancouver, WA in 1980 where he was a meteorologist for the Department of Energy at Bonneville Power Administration for 20 years, retiring in 2000. Val lived in Tampa, FL for the following 13 years.
Val was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Milton Smith and Marie Schmitz Smith, and brother-in-law, Leroy O. Groom, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Marcia Groom of Oldsmar, FL; his nephew, Jordan Groom and his fiancee', Kara Dougherty of Windermere, FL; his niece, Allison Marks and her husband, Glenn Marks; and his beloved twin grandnieces, Mira and Mackenna Marks of Land O Lakes, FL. Val was a devoted son, brother, uncle and a true friend. He was loved and will be affectionately remembered by all of his family and friends for his kindness and his "Christ like" heart.
His family wishes to extend a special "Thank You" to the Suncoast Hospice team at Brookeside and Westchester Gardens for their outstanding care and genuine love shown to Val. A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Rose Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Denton, TX.
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Val, this world lost a special soul the day you went to heaven. I was truly blessed to have you for my uncle, and friend. There has never been one single moment that I didn’t feel loved by you – and that goes for my entire life. I knew you were always there for me and would do whatever you could for me. Thank you for always being there and doing so much for Jordan and I and the rest of our family. You loved like Christ and had the biggest heart I’ve ever known! I know the Lord was so happy to tell you what a great job you did while you were here! I wish I could have been there to hear what he had to say when he saw you face to face. We miss you so much already! Thank you for being such a great listener and giving such wonderful advice. Please give Dad, Ree & Pops a great big hug for me. I can’t wait to see you all! I love you Val!!
In your time of sorrow may your hearts be filled with joyful memories of your beloved Val. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Val. His family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Marcia,
I have so many wonderful memories of the time we spent together many years ago. Please accept my deepest sympathy for the loss you have experienced recently. I cannot possibly understand, however, I know that the Lord will comfort you and your family as you lean of Him for strength.
Val was very special, and his memory will remain in my heart. We were so fortunate to have Val and your family as a part of our Pilot Point family. God Bless each of you.
I am so glad I had Val in my life. Even though he was a beloved older cousin, he would’ve been my friend even if we weren’t related. I don’t ever remember seeing him anything but positive and happy and I’ll always remember his laughter. I’m so glad I have the wonderful memories of fun times in Pilot Point and of growing up with such a talented, sweet, and loving cousin.
Val you will be deeply deeply missed. you are in no more pain my friend nothing but fresh clean air to breeze and the lord kissing your face with the warmth of his sunshine opon your face. Miss ya buddy. I bet the lords lobster rolls are better then mine uh. Love ya Val
Val,
You are missed. You were one of the sweetest men I’ve ever met. I know you are in a better place and I know you are laughing and dancing. See you again…
Val & I went to school together from 1st grade. Thought a lot of Val & his family. Thinking of you in this time of sorrow.