Sam Smithwick III

​Corpus Christi, Texas - Sam Smithwick III, 80, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. Sam was born on October 22, 1941, in San Diego, TX, to Eva and Sam Smithwick, Jr. He grew up in Alice TX, graduating from William Adams High School in 1960. He began military service with the Army National Guard of Texas in 1960. Sam completed his NCO training in 1964 and received an honorable discharge with the rank of Staff Sargent in 1967. While in the Army National Guard, Sam continued his studies at Texas A&I Kingsville, known now as Texas A&M, Kingsville, earning his Bachelor of Science and Secondary Education in 1967. Sam began his teaching career as a Shop Teacher at Corpus Christi Independent School in 1967 at Cunningham Junior High School. Sam continued his studies while working as a teacher and received his Master of Science in 1978 from Corpus Christi State University, now known as Texas A&M, Corpus Christi. During his almost 40-year teaching career, he had over 5,700 students go through his classes, and many students still recognize him around town. He was always pleased when students would come up and say hello. Sam was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the outdoors. He especially loved camping with his sons during their Scouting years, attending Philmont Scout Ranch, and helping them achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He was united in holy matrimony with Edelmira Palacios in Alice, TX, in 1971, and they recently celebrated their Golden 50th wedding anniversary.
Sam is survived by his wife, Edelmira Smithwick of Corpus Christi, son: Adolfo “Duffy” Ibañez III of Missouri City; daughter: Samantha Smithwick (Rahul Shukla) of Moraga, CA; son: Sam Martin Smithwick (Rachael “Shelly”) of Corpus Christi; brother: Adan Smithwick (Estela) of Corpus Christi, sister: Eva Waring of Robstown and eight grandchildren.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Eva and Sam Smithwick Jr.
Visitation will begin on Friday, July 8, 2022, at the Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. with a Rosary to be recited at 6:30 p.m. that same evening followed by the Funeral Mass at 7 p.m.

A visitation will be held at Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home Chapel in San Diego on Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. followed by the Burial at 10:30 a.m. at the San Diego Cemetery, in San Diego Texas.

Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
3210 S. Padre Island Dr.
Corpus Christi, Texas 78415
Mauro P. Garcia Funeral Home – San Diego
1016 E. Gravis
an Diego, Texas 78384

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