Rufus N. Smith1926-2016Rufus Nathaniel Smith, 89, passed away on September 29, 2016, at his residence at Eagle's Trace. He was born on October 12, 1926, in Springhill, Alabama to Shepherd and Hattie Smith. As a young man Rufus served in the U. S. Army in the paratroopers. On October 14, 1946, just two days after turning 20 years old, Rufus married the love of his life, Dorothy Mae Howell; they were married for 61 years. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Houston and Rufus made it into Houston's Fire Department, where he worked for 21 years and retired as a Senior Captain. At the age of 40, Rufus gave his heart to the Lord and from that day forward never wavered from the Christian Faith. He served as a Deacon at Lindale Assembly of God for many years. Rufus is survived by his son, Robert; grandchildren, Mike, Rufus, Dutch, Judy, Z James, and Robert; and great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jordan, Grace, Z Alexander, and Tristan. Rufus was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Smith; two sons, Leonard and Michael; one grandchild, Robyn; and siblings, Raymond, Florine, Videy, Vernie, Adele, and Lon. Visitation will be held from 5-8pm, Monday, October 3rd, 2016. Funeral services will be held at 11:30am, Tuesday, October 4th, 2016 at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Houston National Cemetery.