Hugh Ferguson Smith, 85, of Silsbee, died Wednesday, December 10, 2014, at Pine Arbor Nursing Home in Silsbee surrounded by his family. He was born February 19, 1929, in Duncanville, Illinois, to Elizabeth Lillian Ferguson Smith and Walter Gilbert Smith.
Hugh attended public schools in Palestine, Illinois and graduated from Palestine Township High School in 1946. He enlisted and served two years in the United States Navy during World War II. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering Option, from Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy at Rollo, Missouri, in 1952.
Hugh married Anna Gentry Shumaker on February 14, 1958. They were married fifty-six years.
A registered professional engineer, Hugh worked in the oil field for thirteen years as a Petroleum Engineer. He subsequently worked for EasTex and Temple-Inland at the paper mill in Evadale as a project engineer and maintenance supervisor. He retired in 1992.
A respected member of the community, Hugh was appointed as Municipal Court Judge for the City of Silsbee and served in that capacity for more than nine years. He was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian faith and served as an Elder in the Silsbee Presbyterian Church.
Hugh loved spending time with his family and enjoyed playing golf and duplicate bridge. He was a charter member and served as President of the Silsbee Country Club. He attained the rank of Bronze Life Master in duplicate bridge and actively participated in the Southeast Texas Service Group as an honor guard. With his wife, Anna, he was involved in the theater as a charter member and later as President of the Silsbee Little Theater.
Survivors include his wife, Anna; children, Randy, Rick, and Beth; grandchildren, Tyler, Rhiannon, and Caitlin; and great-grandchildren, Kavi and Karan Jajoo and Ava, Davis, and Lily Young. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson, Ben.
A gathering of Hugh’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 12, 2014, at Broussard’s, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee. A memorial service will be 1:00 pm., Saturday, December 13, 2014, at Broussard’s. His committal will be held at Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont. Honorary pallbearers are the “McDonald’s Coffee Group” and Granny.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Silsbee Public Library, 295 North 4th Street, Silsbee, Texas 77656.
