Alva Lynn Smith

Alva Lynn Smith, 85, of Blooming Grove, Texas passed away from this life in the early afternoon on Monday, November 18, 2024, at Navarro Regional Hospital in Corsicana, Texas. Alva Lynn was born on September 12, 1939, in the Slay township near Frost, Texas to parents Alva Clyde (A.C.) and Effie Mae Smith. Alva Lynn, (aka Pops), began his education in the Frost public school system where he graduated Salutatorian in 1958. In addition to being a stellar student, he was also an accomplished athlete as he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He was an active member of Frost First Baptist Church and a budding entrepreneur as he accompanied his father in the cattle trading business. Some of his fondest times were the adventures throughout the countryside with A.C. where they often did not accomplish their objectives but came away with a good story and rich memories. Intermeshed with this time of adventure and discovery was the introduction of his future spouse, Laura Jane McGraw, in the summer of 1956. Alva Lynn and Jane formalized their union on June 6, 1958, at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove, Texas. Alva Lynn was a dreamer with an insatiable curiosity, and Jane was the bedrock, anchored in faith. Together, they set off to The University of Texas at Austin whereas a team, they would build professional capabilities to complement their faith. Alva Lynn graduated from UT Austin with a B. S. in Aerospace Engineering in 1963. During this time, they welcomed their first child, Donna Kay Smith (Seely), and the young family moved to the greater Houston area where Alva Lynn began a career with NASA. He was instrumental in the Gemini Program and served as a senior engineer in the Apollo mission theater. They soon welcomed a son, Michael McGraw Smith, and a daughter, Keitha Lynn Smith (McDougald). A longing for home and a budding career saw the family relocate to Navarro County where Alva Lynn and Jane could raise their children near family and instill the small-town values, they so cherished. Alva Lynn was a very busy man during this time. He commuted to Dallas working for the Department of Defense in a classified capacity, owned and operated farm and ranching land, volunteered for The Texas Lions Club, served as a Blooming Grove ISD Board Member, and coached Little League baseball. He also served as City Engineer for Corsicana for two separate terms. Somehow, he found time to tinker with classic cars, coin collecting, genealogy mapping, and taking Michael hunting and to sporting events. It was during this time that his fascination with aeronautics led him to become a licensed pilot. Despite numerous interests, he never wavered from living life with faith and purpose and providing and parenting at a remarkable level. In his later years with an empty nest, he was blessed with time to enjoy his best friend and confidant, Laura Jane, and his five grandchildren. During this time, he served as Mayor of Blooming Grove, city councilman of Blooming Grove, Lions Club Officer, and he was a devoted member of Central Baptist Church. He discovered the internet during this time, and he became a self-taught Civil War historian and a master genealogist. His final few years saw his character on display as he was the caregiver to his spouse of 66 years, Laura Jane. This was perhaps his most important earthly role, and he did it with love and compassion until her passing on June 8, 2024. Alva Lynn was preceded in death by his spouse, Laura Jane McGraw Smith, his parents, Alva Clyde and Effie Mae Smith, sister, Linda Smith Brown, brothers®-in-law, Bob and Jack McGraw, Jerry Brown, and Pete Peters, sisters-in-law, Francis McGraw and Patricia McGraw, niece, Mary McGraw, and nephew, Lee McGraw. Alva Lynn is survived by his children: Donna Seely and husband, Loran, Keitha McDougald and husband, Andy, and son, Michael Smith; daughter-in-law, Lynn Paulo. Grandchildren: Dr. Andrew Seely and wife, Ashlie, Philip Seely and wife, Micha, Corey McDougald and wife, Chloe, Emory McDougald, and Aidan Smith. Great grandchildren: Astrid, Augustus, Eastyn, Bowen, Annika, Gunner, and Gavin. Brother-in-law, Mack McGraw and wife Mary, brother-in-law, Billy Wayne McGraw, sister-in-law, Kathryn Peters, and sister-in-law, Wanda McGraw. In addition, he is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Visitation will be Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Central Baptist Church in Blooming Grove at 10:00 am. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 am with Bro. Darren Heil leading the fellowship. Buriel will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Blooming Grove, Texas. Pallbearers include Tim Brown, Dr. Andrew Seely, Philip Seely, Corey McDougald, Emory McDougald, and Aidan Smith. Honorary Pallbearers include Chris Brown, David Peters, Jeff McGraw, Todd McGraw, Kasey McGraw, Tim McGraw, G. Scott McGraw, Kyle McGraw, Travis McGraw, and Charlie McGraw. The family asks that those wishing to make donations do so to Central Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 286, Blooming Grove, TX 76626.

Alva Lynn Smith

September 12, 1939 - November 18, 2024