Ervin Eugene Smith, Sr. was born on September 14, 1948, in LaRue, Texas, better known as Moore Station, Texas. He was the firstborn child of the union of the late Bishop William T. Smith and Mother Earnestine Smith. 

Ervin was raised in a strong Christian home under the spiritual leadership of the late Evangelist G.E. Smith, the late Bishop Harold Smith, and his loving parents. He shared his musical gift by playing the guitar at Holy Temple CHSC. 

Ervin began his education at Central Elementary School in Moore Station, Texas. He later attended Albert S. Johnson and graduated from Franklin D. Roosevelt High School in 1967, where he was well known for his outstanding basketball skills. He continued his education at Texas Western University and Midwestern State University. 

Ervin had a lifelong love for sports, especially basketball. He also enjoyed cooking and was known throughout the family for making the best omelets and barbecue sauce. A dedicated and dependable worker, Ervin was employed as a courier in Dallas for more than thirty years. 

On Saturday, July 25, 2026, Ervin departed this life at the family home. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bishop William T. Smith and Mother Earnestine Smith; his maternal grandparents; two brothers, Vernon (Marcel) Smith and Alvin Smith; one sister, Rosie (Larry) Hearn; his brother-in-love, Lee Otis Wafer; and several beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. 

Ervin leaves to cherish his precious memory his daughter, Ernisha (Walter) Dunagin; his son, Ervin Eugene Smith, Jr.; his bonus daughter, Jenyce (Gerald) Jacquot; fourteen grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He also leaves his loving siblings, William (Linda) Smith, Frances Smith, Doris Wafer, Willna Holloway, Bishop Titus (Shelia) Smith, and Laverne Smith; his god-sister, Dora Times; his god brother, David Britton; two aunts; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

Ervin’s love for his family, passion for basketball, musical gift, and many cherished memories will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.