Cary Smith Obituary

Cary Smith, 84, of Rockwall, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 2, 1941, in Salem, Illinois, to Everett Lenor Smith and Eulalia Ann (Heath) Smith, Cary lived a full and meaningful life rooted in family and service.
A proud graduate of Midland High School, Class of 1960, Cary went on to earn a bachelor's degree in accounting from Texas A&M University in 1965. An Aggie through and through, he carried his school pride throughout his life. Shortly after graduation, Cary began a long and successful career with Mobil Pipeline/Oil, where he worked from 1965 until his retirement in 2002. His career took him from local operations in Dallas to international assignments as far-reaching as Saudi Arabia. Regardless of where work took him, Cary remained grounded in what mattered most: his family.
On April 16, 1965, Cary married his best friend and the absolute love of his life, Clemece Valeria Richards, at Ridgeview Baptist Church in Bryan, Texas. Their marriage, built on deep love and mutual respect, spanned 60 beautiful years. To this union, Cary and Clemece were blessed with two children, Michele and Michael, and built a legacy defined by devotion and togetherness.
Cary was a proud veteran, having served honorably in the National Guard. He was also a devoted member of Lakepointe Church in Rockwall, where he and Clemece were members for many years.
Outside of work and church, Cary was happiest outdoors. He was an avid golfer and never missed a chance to go outside, whether he was hitting birdies on the golf course or simply enjoying time with loved ones under the sun. But above all, Cary's greatest joy came from his role as "Pa." He never missed an event, game, or milestone in the lives of his grandchildren, always showing up with unwavering support and pride. His presence was constant - always cheering, always smiling, always there. A natural conversationalist, Cary never met a stranger. He had an easy way of making people feel welcomed and was always the first to offer a helping hand. Cary was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a dependable friend.
Cary is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Roger Richards; brother-in-law John Hyde; and sister-in-law Florence Richards.
He is survived by his wife, Clemece Smith of Rockwall, TX; his daughter Michele Alford and husband Christopher of Rockwall, TX; and his son Michael Smith of Rockwall, TX. He also leaves behind his grandchildren: Kenneth Alford and wife Brittany, Adam Alford and wife Megan, Cary Carl Alford and his longtime girlfriend Abbey Cassady, all of Rockwall, TX, and Courtney Smith of Dallas, TX. His legacy continues through his great-grandson, Josiah Lance Alford. Cary is also survived by his beloved siblings: sister Sharon Andrea Hyde of Midland, TX; brothers Gregor Smith and wife Sue, Alan Smith and wife Exa, and Steve Smith and wife Kaye. His extended family includes brother-in-law Wallace Richards and wife Debbie, brother-in-law Doug Richards, brother-in-law Rusty Richards and wife Shirley, and sister-in-law Sandra Hruska. Additionally, Cary was a cherished uncle to 20 nieces and nephews, all of whom were blessed by his kind heart and generous spirit.
Cary's life was a testament to what matters most: faith, family, and friendship. He will be forever missed by all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.
A memorial service to honor the life of Cary will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Reflections Chapel at Rest Haven Funeral Home, located at 2500 State Highway 66 East, Rockwall, TX, 75087. A reception and time of gathering will follow from 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, also at Rest Haven Funeral Home. Cary's family would like to warmly extend an invitation to anyone wishing to attend the reception in order to continue in fellowship and in the sharing of memories.
Cary's memorial service will be livestreamed for anyone unable to attend in person. Please click on the following link to watch the service: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MjE3MDM4MDM3MDg4NSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==
Those wishing to send flowers for the service may do so by calling The Flower Box by Rest Haven at (972) 772-3269. Independent florists are kindly asked to deliver arrangements directly to Rest Haven Funeral Home in Rockwall by 1:00 PM on Friday, July 18, 2025, in order for them to be set out and properly displayed for Cary's memorial service in a timely manner.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Rest Haven Funeral Home - Rockwall, TX. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Cary, please visit our Tree Store.