Albert Smith, Sr.

Albert Smith Sr, age 86 of Hobbs passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Albert was born Sunday, May 8, 1938, in Hobbs, New Mexico to James Alphonso Smith and Mae Bertha Harris.

In 1962, Albert married the love of his life Lavella Jean McDowell. Shortly after their marriage, they were baptized and became members of Roxana Street Church of Christ. Albert dedicated his life to the Lord and would serve in the ministry in various roles and capacities until God called him home. Albert wholeheartedly loved preaching and sharing the Gospel with others. Albert began his career in building construction and welding. He would later gain employment in the oil and gas industry; and after serving 29 years at ARCO Permian, he retired in 1998.

At a young age, Albert loved and excelled in all sports. He was also a man who loved the great outdoors. For many years, Albert often took his family and friends camping, hunting, and fishing. Everyone in the family knew when it was hunting season. Albert also enjoyed and participated in many sports such as basketball, football, softball, baseball, and golf. He served as the commissioner of the Bobby Sox Softball League for the Hobbs region and loved volunteering with the Special Olympics events in the community. For most of his adult life, Albert was an avid Lakers fan. He was also a dedicated Hobbs Eagles Fan and attended every home basketball game. He loved the Dallas Cowboys and enjoyed watching the Little League World Series. Albert was also a dedicated softball coach. In fact, Albert took the sports games seriously, and loved coaching so much that he would often coach the professional NBA and NFL players while watching them play on the TV.

Albert was also a devoted family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family. During the holidays, he would spend hours playing PlayStation, Xbox, and Wii with his grandchildren. During this time, he would spend many hours giving his grandchildren life lessons. Albert instilled in all his children and grandchildren the importance of having God in their lives. Albert loved his family, his friends, and his church family near and abroad. He served the Lord faithfully until his last days; he dearly loved his church family at Scharbauer Street Church of Christ.

Albert Smith is survived by his wife Lavella of 61 years, his daughter Felicia Nzere and her husband Matthew; his son Albert Smith Jr. and his wife Rosa; his grandchildren Michael, Sydney, Jaiden, Orie, Hailey, and Kobe, his great-grandchild Matthias; his sisters-in-law Ernestene Smith and Shirley Golden, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Alphonso Smith and Mae Bertha Harris; his twin brother Alvin Smith and his younger brother Charles Davis.