Donald Joe Smith

Donald Joe "Hoss" Smith

Donald Joe "Hoss" Smith, 79, was born in Abilene, Texas, on June 6, 1947, and passed away in Abilene, Texas, on September 8, 2026. A long-term resident of Hawley, Texas, Hoss spent his final years at his home on Lake Brownwood, where he enjoyed the peace and beauty of the lake. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service, hard work, and devotion to his family and community.

Hoss was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, businessman, firefighter, and man of faith.

Funeral services for Donald Joe "Hoss" Smith will be held on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. The Hamil Family Funeral Home 6449 Buffalo Gap Road Abilene, Texas 79606. Burial will follow at Ft. Phantom Hill. Arrangements are with The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Hoss was married to his sweetheart, Debbie Smith, since March 1998. Their love and devotion to one another were at the heart of his life. He loved Debbie deeply and was devoted to her throughout their years together. Their marriage was a testament to the love, commitment, and companionship they shared.

Hoss was married earlier in life to Sherryl Mason, and together they built their family, and he was the proud father of both Marcus Smith and Donald Joe Smith II. His love for his sons was unconditional, and both held a special place in his heart.

 When Hoss married Debbie in March 1998, he didn’t just gain a wife—he gained two more children, Misty and Roger. He welcomed Misty Jones and Roger Strickland into his heart and embraced them as his own. His family continued to grow, and his love for each of his children and grandchildren was a precious part of his life.

Hoss's extended family was also very precious to him. He loved his mother-in-law, Betty Tilly, dearly, as well as Debbie's sister, Mona Trojcak and her husband, Guy, and Debbie's brother, Ronnie Tilly and his wife, Teri. He treasured the time he spent with his extended family, and, of course, his many grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. Family was important to Hoss, and the love he shared with them will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

Hard work and family legacy were defining parts of Hoss's life. He carried on the family trucking business, Joe T. Smith, Inc., which was started by his father, Joe T. Smith, in 1936. The business served the oil field in Abilene, Texas, and the surrounding areas, and Hoss devoted much of his life to continuing what his father had built.

For Hoss, carrying on his father's business was more than simply a job. It was a family legacy-one that had been part of his family for generations and that he took great pride in preserving. He worked hard, remained dedicated to the business, and continued working right up until the time of his passing.

Service to others was a defining part of Hoss's life. He proudly served with the Hawley Volunteer Fire Department in Hawley, Texas, for more than 30 years, giving his time, strength, and dedication to protecting and helping his community.

For 27 of those years, Hoss served as Fire Chief, a responsibility that reflected the trust, respect, and confidence his fellow firefighters and community placed in him. He answered the call for more than three decades, often putting the needs of others before his own. His commitment to the Hawley Volunteer Fire Department and the people it served became an important part of his legacy.

Hoss was someone people could count on. When the call came, he was there.

Hoss also had a special place in his heart for dogs. They were not simply pets to him-they were family. His love for his dogs was well known, and they brought him great joy and companionship throughout his life.

Hoss was a man of strong faith. His relationship with God was an important part of his life and shaped the way he loved his family, served his community, and approached his responsibilities. His faith gives his family comfort today, knowing that although his work on this earth is finished, he has gone home to be with his Lord and Savior.

Hoss was preceded in death by his father, Joe Thomas Smith; his mother, Madalin "Muddy" Smith; and his father-in-law, Seabron "Sonny" Cornealious Tilly III.

Hoss is survived by his beloved wife, Debbie Smith; his sons, Marcus Smith, Donald Joe Smith II and his wife, Jana Smith, and Roger Strickland and his wife, Amie; his daughter, Misty Jones and her husband, Tony; his sisters, Mary Smith and Barbara Vastine and her husband, Tom; his mother-in-law, Betty Tilly; his grandchildren, Donald Joe Smith III, Wyatt Smith, Grayson Smith, Gavin Smith, and Avilynn Smith, as well as Tyler Mize and his wife, Megan, and Wesley Mize and his wife, Kaili; and many great grandchildren.

Those who knew Hoss will remember a man who worked hard, loved deeply, served faithfully, and stayed committed to the people and responsibilities entrusted to him. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a loyal friend, a dedicated firefighter, and a man who could be counted on.

His life was built around faith, family, service, and hard work. The legacy he leaves behind is found not only in the family he loved and the business he worked so hard to carry forward, but also in the community he served and the many lives he touched along the way.

Hoss will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, his fellow firefighters, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Though our hearts are heavy with his loss, we can find comfort in knowing that Hoss's earthly work is complete.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23