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.
Condolences(12)
Katie McVaney
Greenville, TX Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Mr. Gilley was a larger than life joy to know. No one enjoyed life and other people as much as he did. He will be remembered and has left an impact on so many. Rest in Peace. Condolences to his many loved ones.Bonita R. (Ward) Gilley-Terman
, TX Tuesday, March 24, 2026 Being apprised of Smith’s failing health, his subsequent lengthy hospitalization, and ultimately his passing, I was greatly saddened, more so than I ever expected or imagined. Reflecting back on our first meeting one glorious Sunday morning in late summer of 1963 at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Dallas, I met this distinguished man of disciplined but astonishing character, a Marine Reservist in a suit and tie who commanded dignity and integrity. Having passed the Texas BAR he was employed at a law firm in a skyscraper in the very same city block where I was newly employed ‘high up’ at the prestigious J. L. Goforth Laboratories after graduating as a Registered Medical Technologist. Smith was handsome and debonair and I, still transitioning from ‘Arkansas farm girl to Dallas glitz’, was infatuated. While dating progressed, we met and shared committed and honorable family relationships. We married in September of 1965, lived and both worked in Greenville and were blessed with three wonderful sons, Sean Edward (November ‘66), Stephen Smith (November ‘68), and Daniel Ward (February ‘70). Smith’s law office was his haven. As his practice boomed, so did his political career as my happy-team-of-four (all in suits, ties, and dress shoes) campaigned from our trusty Chrysler Town & Country station wagon for Smith’s WIN as a Texas State Representative representing Hunt, Hopkins, and Reines Counties. Thereafter he served five consecutive sessions. And now, he is serving eternally in Heaven.In my many years I have learned that Hardships are Blessings in Disguise. Take heart my friends.
Bonita R. (Ward) Gilley-Terman
Janlyn Therwhanger
Sulphur Springs, TX Tuesday, March 24, 2026 So sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man!my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.Ashley McCasland
Greenville, TX Monday, March 23, 2026 I loved Smith so very much. I always lookedforward to seeing him. With that unique deep voice, robust smile and his welcoming presence I truly adored. He always called me “Ash” which is a.nickname family members use and it made him feel like family to me. I'm so blessed to have known Smith and I will miss him tremendously.My sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.
Brittany Sabella
Greenville, TX Monday, March 23, 2026 Mr. Gilley,It truly breaks my heart that we weren’t able to finish this case together. I am so grateful for the time we did share, you were not only professional, but kind and genuine. Your family has always been so warm and welcoming, and that speaks volumes about the life you lived.
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with heavy hearts, grieving the loss of someone who served others with dedication, wisdom, and care. Thank You for the life of this attorney, for the work they did, and for the many lives they touched through their guidance and support.
Lord, we ask that You wrap Your loving arms around their family, friends, and all who are mourning. Bring them comfort that only You can give—peace that surpasses understanding, and strength for the days ahead.
We trust that You are near to the brokenhearted, and that You welcome Your children home with grace. May their soul rest in Your eternal peace, and may their legacy of service and integrity continue to live on in those they helped.
In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🏽
Kimberly Smith
Greenville, TX Monday, March 23, 2026 My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved him. I was blessed to have known Smith for over 30 years. He was a wonderful man with unmatched kindness and unyielding integrity. He will be missed. Rest in peace, my friend.Bonita R. (Ward) Gilley-Terman
Mobile, AL Sunday, March 22, 2026 On being informed of Smith's failing health, subsiquent hospitalization and ultimate passing, I was greatly saddened. He was an Icon destined to live forever. When I met him in Dallas at the First Presbyterian Church in 1964, he was destinly handsome and well spoken. We married in September of 1965Randy Marshall
, OK Sunday, March 22, 2026 I only knew of Smith though his son Stephen, who turned out to be a fine man & father. This speaks as a reflection of his father's character. The mourning is not just for the loss of the man, but the passing of his era.My condolences to Stephen, his siblings, spouses, grand children and his many friends.
patricia knox
Greenville, TX Sunday, March 22, 2026 may you rest in peaceJeanne Tsougarakis
Caddo mills, TX Saturday, March 21, 2026 Mr Gilley was a great attorney, he helped me during a hard situation. So sorry for your loss . Prayers for the family and friends 🙏🙏🙏Clifton’s Construction
Wolfe City, TX Saturday, March 21, 2026 Smith Gilley, beloved friend of my family and a great friend to me.. he helped me when I needed it every time.. he was always cheerful and kind to be around. He will be greatly missed but he will never be forgotten. To my friend Smith Gilley..Dennis D. Davis
Greenville, TX Saturday, March 21, 2026 I will miss this man. He was a constant support to me. He was bigger than life and loved it greatly. His last words to me from his hospital bed were "love you brother."