Obituary

Ephriam, better known as Punkin, by his family and close friends. He was born to the late Laura A. Hall Smith and Herman Smith Sr. He was born on April 6, 1952 in Navasota, Texas. He was the oldest of four children. He excepted Christ at a young age under the pastoral ship of Rev. M.L. Durden at St. Martinville Baptist Church in Navasota, Texas.

His early years of education were received at G.W. Carver. His high school years were spent at Navasota High School where he was a member of the baseball team, as well as track. He graduated from Navasota High School in 1972. Upon his graduation he was accepted at Prairie View A&M University. He was a member of the ROTC for his entire four years. Upon graduation he was eligible to be sworn into the army, but he declined. He was also offered a job in Nebraska as a county agent; however, he declined that offer as well. He graduated from Prairie View A.M. University 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in Plant and Soil Science.

Ephraim and Carolyn met while attending Prairie View and were married August 7th, 1976, by the late Rev. Edwin Walker at greater first Baptist church in Anderson, Texas. They chose to make their home in Houston, Texas. From this marriage, they were blessed with 3 talented and unique children.

For a short period of time, he was employed at Hughes Tool, but he never gave up his dream of purchasing an 18-wheeler to start his trucking company. The lord blessed him to be able to purchase his first brand new 18- wheeler (a red ford) 1978, and that was the beginning of E Smith and Sons Trucking. His dream had come true. This company remained intact until the Lord called him home. He made his last runs 10 days before his death. With his ability to start this company, he was able to teach at least 4 others te skill of driving an 18- wheeler, as well as helping secure their licenses. He willingly gave advice when asked, shared his struggles, where to get repairs etc.

In his leisure time, he loved listening to music of all kinds, being out in nature, going to car shows, tinkering with his vehicle, watching westerns, and sitting in the yard under the pecan tree just relaxing. He also loved watching the History Channel, reading about vehicles and watching his beloved CNN.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving and devoted wife, Carolyn of fifty years as of August 7th, his three beautiful children, whom he adored: Rodney (Tamiela, Kiyah, Micah), Roddrick (Donna, Lyon, Lynnen-Alicia), and Robyn (Siyah). He has three loving and devoted siblings, Catherine (John Anthony, Allyson, Lauren), Herman II (Audrene, Herman III) Brandon (Brandon II, Briana, Blair) Sister- in -law Alma (Devon, Kaylan), Brother-in-law Carl (Charlotte, Dominique, Trevon ), Regina (Jermaine) Niece and Nephew Jeremy and Daijah as well as a host of cousins, acquaintances and friends.

Ephriam Smith was preceded in death by his mother, Laura Hall, father, Herman Smith, Sr, grandparents, Lucille Hall and step- grandfather Emmitt Hall, grandfather Arthur Hall, step grandmother, Odessa Hall, uncle Ephriam Hall, aunt Carrie White, nephew Tyrance Smith, sister-in-law Veronica A. Turner, brother-in-law, Ronnie L. Turner and nephew Toran Polk