James Carl Goldsmith

James Carl Goldsmith, 90, died Wednesday, February 23, 2011 in Merkel, Texas. The son of Eula (Gilbreath) and Matthew Gipson Goldsmith, James was born on July 17, 1920 in Durham, Texas in Borden County. Since 1927 he had been a resident of Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School in 1938. He attended Hardin-Simmons University (1938-39) and graduated from Wichita Engineering Aviation School. He served in the U. S. Navy during World War II in the American Theatre of Operation in the South Pacific. He was a member of the V.F.W. James married Doris Aline Lewis on March 13, 1946 in Raymondville, Texas. For 36 years, he was co-owner/operator of Goldsmith Produce Company from 1946 until his retirement in 1982. He was a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church and Kiwanis Club of Abilene. James was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a member of Masonic Lodge #559 in Abilene. He was a volunteer for West Texas Fair and Rodeo and Meals on Wheels. James was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Goldsmith, in October 2005; parents; and sister, Louie Faye Grounder. Survivors include his son, Jim Goldsmith and wife Velda Dee of Merkel; brothers, Carroll Goldsmith and wife Harriann, and Warren Goldsmith and wife Sara, all of Abilene; sister, Eudera Higgins and husband Bill of Abilene; three grandchildren, Jayma Strong (Jason), Justin Goldsmith (Tara) and Janae Dye (Derek); and five great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 26, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Dr. Jeff Reid will officiate. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc., P.O. Box 903, Abilene, TX 79604.