Harold Wayne “Hal” Smith

Harold Wayne “Hal” Smith, age 89, passed away in Columbus Jan. 9. He was born in West Frankfort, IL Dec. 7, 1930 to Earl G. and Ruth Williams Smith.

Hal was an all-state football quarterback in high for two years and was offered 33 college football scholarships. His true love was baseball, and he went on to play 10 years in the Major Leagues. Hal began his career just out of high school in 1949.

Hal played for the Baltimore Orioles in 1955, Kansas City Athletics from 1956-1959, Pittsburg Pirates in 1960, the Pitts-burg Pirates World Champions in 1961, Houston Colt 45’s from 1962-1963, Cincinnati Reds in 1964 and retired in 1965.

He is survived by his beloved wife Ann; his daughter Debbie Perkins and her husband Ralph; son Dan Smith and his wife Lisa; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; one sister Joyce Flannery and two stepsons, DeGraaf Adams and Will Adams.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Earl G. Smith and Ruth Williams Smith, son Mike Smith and stepgrandson Kirby Adams.

Hal was a member of the First Baptist Church of Columbus and the Columbus Golf Course.

The highlight of Hal’s career was in the 1960 World Series with the Pitts-burg Pirates against the New York Yankees. Hal hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the eighth to put the Pirates ahead to help win the title.

A memorial service was Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Victor Morrison officiating. Visitation was Monday, Jan. 13 at Henneke Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers were grandsons Scott Perkins, Michael Smith, Samuel Smith, nephews Christopher Smith, Randy Smith and Bryan Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 367, Columbus, Texas 78934.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.