Monte Smith

Monte Eugene Smith “Papaw”, 80, of Magnolia, Texas went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2026. He was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, the son of Monte Benard and Frankie Strickland Smith. Monte grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina and then joined the Navy in June 1964 and served until June 1970. While he served in the United States Navy, he was a Seabee and received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Star. He met the love of his life Frankie Marie Schultz while he was stationed in Beeville, Texas. They were united in marriage on September 18, 1965, in Sinton, Texas. They lived in Sinton for a few years then moved to Houston, Texas. They raised their family in Houston and lived in Magnolia for the past 30 years. He was a salesman for stainless steel and in October 1986 him and his business partner, Mark Taverner opened their own company Monarch Stainless. He retired in October 2018. He loved his children but especially loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and attending all their activities. He was papaw to everyone that knew him. He is proceeded in death by his wife of 59 years Frankie Schultz Smith, Son Monte Dean Smith, Daughter Heather Smith Hamby, Mom Frankie Strickland Smith, Dad Monte B. Smith, Brother Marion Doug Smith, Great grandsons Frankie Eugene Hamby and Kingston Michael James Hamby. He is survived by son Keith Smith and wife Alicia, daughter Stephanie Smith Stepanski and husband Mark, grandchildren Monte Aarron Smith, Chris Smith, Brent Smith, Amanda Smith, Emily Smith, Keith Smith Jr., Catherine Benavidez, Laine (Buck) Stepanski, Lana Stepanski, Trey Hamby, Taylor Hamby, Tamaryn Hamby, great grandchildren Hunter Smith, Paisley Smith, David Smith, Adelynn Smith, Nico Smith, Allen Smith, Sadie Montes, Ellie Montes, Grayson Montes, Lanayah Hamby, Heather Dyess, Amelia Dyess, Brother Malcolm Smith (wife Carleen), Brother Gary Smith (wife Kris) Sister Diana Mincey, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers are Monte Aarron Smith, Chris Smith, Brent Smith, Trey Hamby, Hunter Smith and Ovy Martinez We want to thank all the caregivers at Valiente Senior Living and Devotion Hospice for taking care of our papaw and treating him like family.