Search Results

SMITH -- Willis A. Smith, 85, of Albuquerque, a prominent builder-developer, and former lawmaker, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, after a long courageous battle with emphysema. He was born in Albuquerque on October 9, 1923, to Jessie Harrison Smith and Willis A. Smith, Sr. He spent his childhood in Gallup, New Mexico, where he was active in many school activities, Methodist Church, Demolay, and Boy Scouts. He was especially proud to have attended the first National Boy Scout Jamboree in Washington, DC in 1937. In 1941, he came to Albuquerque, attending UNM, where he joined the Sigma Chi Fraternity, forming long time associations. He was in the first UNM Naval ROTC, and entered the US Navy, during WWII, serving as a lieutenant junior grade on a submarine chaser. At the conclusion of the war, he graduated from UNM and began his career in real estate, building and development. On July 14, 1950, he married Aura Jane Burcham, a union which lasted 58 years. Willis and Jane had one daughter, Charlotte Anne Smith. Willis was active in politics, serving in the New Mexico State Legislature from 1960-1964. He passed many important bills, the most notable being the sponsoring and carrying the legislation that created TVI (now CNM) one of the most significant educational institutions in the state. The Smith-Brasher Building on the CNM campus was named after him. He served as Bernalillo County Commission chairman from 1970-1974. During his tenure, he, Robert Taichert, and associates turned over the Bernalillo County Indian Hospital to the UNM Medical School. He was chosen "Realtor of the Year" in 1971 and served on the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority for ten years. Willis was recently given a "Special Recognition Award" for his work in the Legislature. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church. Willis loved living, in all its aspects. He was devoted to his family with special affection for his daughter Charlotte, and two grandsons, Shaun and Seth Scott. He was the inspiration for his many friends. He and Jane enjoyed traveling and he made many delightful sketches. He enjoyed painting, loved the ocean and enjoyed many activities along the seacoast, including snorkeling and boating in a boat he shared with his brother, Harrison. Willis and Jane played golf in many places and belonged to the Albuquerque Country Club. Willis is survived by his wife, Jane; daughter, Charlotte; grandsons, Seth Scott and Shaun Scott and his family, Carissa and children, Shayla A. Scott, and Willis A. Scott; brother, Harrison Smith and wife, Phyllis; nephew, Harrison "Chip" Smith and family; nieces, Sylvia Chavez, husband, Jeff and daughters, Marie Everett and husband, Scott and children; and nephew, Robert Kuhfuss and wife. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 10:00 a.m., at First United Methodist Church, 314 Lead Ave. SW, with Reverend David Okerberg, officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Christian Children's Home, 5700 Winterhaven Road, NW, Albuquerque 87120 or to Joy Junction, P.O. Box 27693, 4500 Second Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. Please visit our online guestbook for Willis at RememberTheirStory.com. French 1111 University Blvd. NE (505) 843-6333
        Published on: Sun March 08, 2009