TERRY LEE SMITH

Terry Lee Smith, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away during his battle with Lung Cancer at the age of 60 on May 15, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Born August 6, 1964 in Wichita, Kansas to the late James and Marietta, Terry grew up in a large family with loving siblings Teresa, Ed, Morgan, Michelle, and Tony. He was an athletic student, a friend to animals, and lover of art.

After moving from Kansas to North Texas in 1992, Terry set out to build his own business. He spent over 25 years shaping his dream in the sign industry, using his endless amounts of skill, expertise, and talent developed in his early years to help his customers – whom he treated like family.

A self-described “simple man”, Terry doted over his family, had immense pride for his children and grandchildren, and would share a story about them at any given chance. He was a vital support system of warmth, insight, laughter, and knowledge for them all. One of his greatest joys was teaching his loved ones the things he knew. Terry was a Kaw tribal member of the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma, and proudly shared a deep connection to his family’s heritage.

He was an irreplaceable wealth of love, hard work, and humor to everyone who was lucky enough to know him, and he will be missed dearly.

Terry is preceded in death by his parents, James Smith and Marietta Factor; Grandparents William and Lena LeClair, his Nephew Justan Smith, and is survived by his wife Kriss Smith; children Christopher (Dana) Smith, Travis, Jordyn (Adam) Kinder, Tyler, Carissa (Chris) Spezzia, and Hannah (Matt) Smith; 9 wonderful grandchildren; siblings Teresa (Alan) Carroll, Ed (Dana) Smith, Morgan (Nancy) Smith, Michelle Gordon, Tony (Deborah) Factor, and Jim Smith; and Uncle Ed (Kathy) Smith.

A family celebration for Terry’s life and legacy will be held at his son Christopher’s house in Mansfield, Texas, and a gathering for his friends and customers will be held at the Graph-Tech shop. Arrangement details and dates to come.

To support Terry’s family during this time, please consider sending contributions to their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-terrys-battle-with-lung-cancer