Roll Call Tribute

Edwin B. "Ed" Smith, Jr. 

February 19, 1939 - April 29, 2025 

Dr. Edwin B. Smith, Jr. was born on a farm near Gause in central Texas February 19, 1939 to Edwin B. and Zelma Smith. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1961 and stayed for a Master’s and a PhD which he received in 1967. Along the way he married Fran Smith (nee Nigliazzo) of Bryan, Texas on March 31st, 1963. While at A&M he was a member of the Aggie Band. He is survived by his son Edwin B. Smith, III, his wife Donna and son Sam, as well as daughter Holly, her husband Al Moffett, and sons Al III and Nathan.

Dr. Smith served this country in our nation’s Space Program, performing pioneering research on the effects of exposure to rocket propellants in the 1960’s, designing diets for the Apollo astronauts in the 1970’s, also performing more groundbreaking research into the effects of long term space travel to pave the way for the Skylab missions. He started the first of a few companies, EFEH & Associates in 1979. He employed hundreds of people during the many years he operated EFEH and subsequent companies. Later he developed and manufactured formulations that helped people sleep better, heal burns more quickly, and have better nutrition. Closer to his heart he volunteered for a number of leadership roles in the Sagemont community. He coached Little League, was a Cubmaster, an Indian Guide Dad, and cheered on the Dobie band. More important, certainly to him, he cheered his Grandson’s accomplishments, attending baseball games, many a band and robotics competition, award ceremonies, and drumline performances.

Placing God first and always he ushered at St. Francis Cabrini Catholic Church and later St. Luke the Evangelist here in Sagemont, never hesitating to fill in where needed there and in other volunteer organizations. Through these last few months when he was ill, he lost neither his sense of humor nor his faith in God - telling those who visited him that he would “see them again someday”.

The family would like to give special thanks and recognition to the family of Armando Macias who took extra special care of Dad during these last few months. We also wish to thank Peevey Funeral Home for their care during this difficult time.

The family will welcome friends at 2:00pm, Friday, May 2, 2025, at Peevey Funeral Home, 12440 Beamer Road, Houston, Texas.