Carl Lee Smith, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and educator, went to his Heavenly home on December 20, 2020 due to COVID-19 complications. Carl was 77 years old. Carl lived a life mirrored by his beliefs of God first, family second, helping others third. He committed his life to serving others as a teacher, principal, administrator and a two-term member of the Midlothian ISD Board of Trustees where he recently served as Board President. While he led a life of service, he was known as a kind, caring, thoughtful and gracious leader who always sought the best in others. As a man of faith, Carl was an active member of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas. Carl always put the needs of others first. He never knew a stranger and always made it his mission to welcome others into the community. His greatest attribute is the way he motivated, encouraged, supported, collaborated and brought people together to focus on the greater good. He served as a board member for Mentors Care; a non-profit designed to help teenagers in need of support and care showing them they can achieve anything. It was his heart and love for kids that will forever be his greatest legacy. In addition to his love for others, Carl’s wit and love for a dessert (or two) is what made him incredibly endearing. Carl was also an avid hunter, gardener and loved sharing the great outdoors with his family and friends. Born in Springfield, Illinois, on November 12, 1943 to Carl Lee and Ruby Mae Fowler Smith. Carl grew up in Denton, Texas where he graduated from Denton High School. He initially attended Oklahoma State University on a football scholarship, but ultimately graduated with his Master’s degree in Education from the University of North Texas. As a life-long learner he continued to pursue his doctoral degree with only his dissertation remaining. He also earned his Superintendent of Schools certification. Carl started his career in 1968 as a woodshop teacher in Duncanville ISD, then became Assistant Principal and grew to the ranks of Director of Personnel. After nearly 30 years in education, he shifted his career to serving school districts across the state of Texas by joining Scarbrough Medlin & Associates. It was through this work here he helped safeguard his clients to face the unexpected. As a consummate professional he was well-liked and responsive to his clients. He was often the first on the scene when these districts were in need. He worked with Scarbrough Medlin & Associates until his death. During his final days, he was focused on taking care of everyone in his life giving them peace of mind and encouragement that he was ready for his final journey toward a grand Heavenly reunion. As well, he wanted to ensure Ann Margaret, his wife of 32 years, and his daughters, Shelby and Hailey, that they were the loves of his life and he never wavered on giving them strength and support. Carl was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Ruby, sister Peggy, sister Claudia, brother Stephen, and daughter Penny. Carl is survived by his wife, Ann Margaret, daughters Shelby Loper (Scott) and Hailey Painter (James) all of Midlothian, TX, 8 grandchildren (Collin, Caitlyn, Katie, Peyton, Carly, Cameryn, Caris, Lynlee), 2 great-grandchildren (Addy, Logan), sisters Barbara Riney of Argyle, TX and Carla Morris of Estoria, FL as well as numerous nieces and nephews. With the outpouring of care and support for the Smith family, below are important details related to the upcoming memorial service to honor Carl Lee Smith, Jr. on Monday, January 4 at 3 p.m. at the Midlothian High School Arena. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as our community comes together to celebrate the life of Carl Lee Smith, Jr. Please RSVP to attend - Due to COVID-19, safety protocols must be in place including limited seating. To attend the memorial service in person, please RSVP that you will be attending. Click here by Saturday, January 2. When the occupancy limit has been reached, this link will be closed. Seating is limited, so please make your reservation as soon as possible. If you are unable to RSVP to personally attend, the memorial service will be streamed live on the MISD Facebook page. Check for COVID-19 Symptoms - For anyone who may experience COVID-19 symptoms or may have been recently exposed to COVID-19, please help us keep our community safe and healthy by participating in the memorial service online by watching it on the MISD Facebook page. MISD nurses will be present at the entrance to the arena to assist as part of the MISD COVID-19 protocols. Social Distancing & Masks Required - To ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed, guests are required to follow six-feet social distancing requirements along with wearing a face mask at all times. Please be mindful of congregating with friends outside and inside the facility to limit COVID-19 exposure. In Lieu of Flowers - The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution in honor of Carl Lee Smith, Jr. to Mentors Care. To make a contribution, click here. However, if family, friends and community members would also like to send flowers to the family, please have the flowers sent to the Midlothian Funeral Home prior to the memorial service. On behalf of the Smith family, thank you for all of your kind words, prayers and support during this time. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.