Edwin ''Ed" Smith

Edwin ''Ed'' Smith passed away at his home in Hewitt, TX on Monday, March 29.  Ed was born August 20th, 1958, in Dallas, the son of William & Marcia (Mitchell) Smith.  Ed grew up in Kilgore, TX and went on to join the Air Force in 1981 and was Honorably discharged in 1986.  Ed grew up in Kilgore, TX and went on to join the Air Force in 1981 and was Honorably discharged in 1986. Much of Ed’s time in the Air Force was spent in the Philippines where he developed a love of scuba diving and met the love of his life, Merlita “Merli” Mamaradlo. After leaving military service, Ed and Merli moved to Dallas where Ed was employed by E-Systems Inc. as an equipment tester for several years before moving to Waco to work at E-Systems’ Waco campus. E-Systems was bought by Raytheon in 1995. Computers had always been an interest of Ed’s which led him to a career in Information Technology (IT). In the late 1990’s, Ed left Raytheon to pursue careers in the Banking & Finance Industry before coming back “home” to the Waco Campus which was now part of L3 Communications. Ed became the Waco IT site lead before becoming a Tier 3 Manager of the L3Harris IT Datacenter group responsible for Data Centers across the US.

Everyone who knew Ed liked him right away. He would always offer his help, guidance, expertise or a funny story when needed. Ed loved learning new things and took on new challenges with gusto. Ed had a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Technology Management, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Design and Masters of Business Administration. He enjoyed Sci-Fi books and movies, and had many hobbies but his true passion was woodworking and was a member of a local Wood Turner’s guild. When not working his “day job” in IT, he would spend hours in his shop building things to sell at local craft fairs or on his website.

Ed was preceded in death by his wife of 34 years Merlita, his parents and his sister Alycia Scroggins.

Survivors include his son, Jonathan Smith and his brother William Smith of Tempe, AZ. He also leaves behind his many friends and co-workers that have come to know and love Ed over the years and will miss his friendship and gentle nature.