Smith Edward Gilley
September 8, 1939 - March 20, 2026
Smith Edward Gilley passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 86. Smith was born September 8, 1939 in Miller Grove, Texas to Edith Faye (Smith) and Edward Lee Gilley. He was a lifelong resident of East Texas.
When he wasn't dressed in a suit for court or church, Smith Gilley could often be found wearing his favorite sweatshirt that stated ''Smith - The Man. The Myth. The Legend.'' And that he was.
Smith Gilley called Greenville home for the majority of his 86 years. He spent his childhood on his parents' farm and working at their Miller Grove General Store, which his father opened several years before his birth. Smith graduated from Miller Grove High School, East Texas State University, and Baylor Law School. He enlisted in the US Marines in 1963, where he served on active duty and in the reserves for a total of six years. Smith interned for Senator Lyndon B. Johnson and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 1976. He received his law license in 1964 and practiced law in Greenville ever since. One of the greatest honors of his life was serving Hunt and the surrounding counties as a representative in the Texas State Legislature from 1975 to 1987. During his time in the Legislature and beyond, Smith was a fierce advocate for small businesses, understanding the critical importance they serve in building communities. In 1982, he was honored in the Rose Garden of the White House by President Reagan as a Small Business Advocate of the Year. As a State Representative and practicing attorney for 62 years, Smith continually demonstrated his care and desire to help others. He held a strong conviction that kindness is a powerful tool and understood that all of us need help at some time or another.
Smith Gilley was a man of great faith and integrity, and his greatest pride was his family. Smith was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Janice Lynn Gilley. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his children: Sean Gilley, Stephen Gilley (Janet), Daniel Gilley (Amy), Wendy Taylor (Mike), Amy Prickett (Todd), Sara Gilley Krivoshia (Pat), and stepson Taylor Jennison. He is survived by 12 grandchildren; his sisters Kay Rork, Jan Seyler, and Ginger Heard; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Smith held a great passion for practicing law, chewing cigars, politics, the Democratic Party, Scotch, his cows, his donkeys, donuts, and the horse races in Hot Springs, Arkansas. He often bragged of attending the Arkansas Derby 30 times and the original Cotton Bowl 28 times. Smith had a mischievous sense of humor, knew the infamous Meadowbrook Monster, was the leader of the Miller Grove Connection, and loved living life. And for those who knew him, they loved living life with him too.
The family asks that in memory of Smith Gilley you show kindness to others. Any contributions can be made to the Gilley Family Scholarship with Presbyterian Children's Homes & Services. Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 140888, Austin, TX 78714-9981, or online gifts can be made at https://giving.pchas.org in memory of Smith Gilley. Cards may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 983, Greenville, TX 75403.
Arrangements are being handled by Coker-Mathews Funeral Home. Service information will be provided at a later date.
Obituary Provided By:
5100 Interstate 30 (at US-69)
Greenville, TX 75402
www.coker-mathews.com
903.455.4110
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