Theodore “Ted” Michael Smith

Pops was the best grandfather I could ever have asked for. He was a doting grandfather, yet he prioritized instilling high character traits in both me and Finn and taught us so many valuable life skills. Pops was extremely kind hearted, and was certainly an enigma in every sense of the word. His love for spending time with family might have only been rivaled by his love for Texas A&M football. Pops was one of the biggest Aggies fans I’ve ever met, and he instilled the love for football in me that I carry to this day. I loved getting those texts from pops on game day, and although the texts were often short (if you know you know), Pops loved talking shop about the Aggies more than anyone. To the people that knew him the best, perhaps Pops’ most glaring tendency was his propensity to disappear at any moment when out in public. There are way too many stories for this, but my favorite example is from one of the times we all went to the Schlitterbahn (potentially Pops’ favorite place, I swear he had even more fun than we did). We got a room a few blocks away from the main park, and within the first hour of entering the park on the first day, Pops had already wandered off. Lolly was annoyed at first, as Pops did this quite often, but grew more concerned as he repeatedly wasn’t picking up his calls. We went back to the room, figuring he would try to meet us back there, still no response on the phone. After a couple of hours we gave up and decided to walk back to the park. This is when we see pops walking down the side of the road. First words out of his mouth are “where were y’all, I had to ride all the rides without y’all!!”. Lolly was not happy, yet Finn and I just looked at each other and could not refrain from bursting out laughing. See this was Pops, he genuinely loved living life and wasn’t going to let anyone or anything slow him down; I think all of us should take a page out of his book and learn to treasure the time we have more. Pops, I cherish every minute I got to spend with you, and I will miss you forever. It hurts my heart tremendously that I won’t get to see you again, but I take solace in knowing that you are in a better place, watching over all of us as you always did. Sometimes what is understood does not need to be said, Gig ‘em Pops.

I will always remember how welcomed you made me feel when I came to Texas! You treated me like family and I will always be grateful for this. You will be greatly missed. Sending prayers to Laura, Jill and Tony! My heart breaks for you all 💕💕💕

He was definitely one of the good ones! Nothing but fond memories of his kind heart and quiet spirit! My condolences as you all learn to navigate missing him here with you. Sincerely, Lisa Lindsey Pilch

I will always remember Teddy (or Pops as we all knew him as) as a great father-in-law and a terrific grandfather to our two sons. He had a huge heart and was always generous with his time and attention for all of us. Our two boys loved coming to visit Texas, in part because Pops always has some sort of adventure or fun activity planned – whether it was tubing in the river, visiting Schlitterbahn, fishing the pond, getting them up at dawn and painting them with war-paint to go deer hunting, racing around the ranch in a go cart, or just tooling around with the gator. Every time, we’d hear stories of how Pops did this or Pops did that, and most of the time I think Melissa and I were glad not to have been clued in beforehand about whatever escapade was in the works. Pops was kind and warm, but he also clearly marched to his own drummer. He wasn’t shy about sharing his thoughts or opinions, never to be contrary or to be cross… but simply because he was unapologetic about who he was or what he believed. Pops was authentic thru and thru… and I couldn’t have wished for a better father-in-law and role model for our two boys. We will miss you dearly, Pops.

Keeping you all in our thoughts and sending lots of love. 🤍🤍🌷

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.