Ebbie Cullen Smith, Christian ethicist and Baptist missionary, died June 2. He was 93. He was born April 26, 1932, in Houston to Thomas and Merle Smith. After he graduated from Conroe High School, he pursued his undergraduate degree from Hardin-Simmons University, working two jobs—in the campus dining hall and as a janitor—to pay for his education. During his time at Hardin-Simmons, he also became a pastor and married his high school sweetheart Donna. After the Smiths both graduated from Hardin-Simmons in 1954, they moved to Fort Worth where Ebbie earned his Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy degrees while pastoring several churches. Following his graduation from seminary, the Smiths went to the mission field in Indonesia, where they served for 15 years. He taught at the Indonesia pastor training school and earned another master’s degree in missions. While in Indonesia, the couple tragically lost their son Roger in a motorcycle accident on June 12, 1973, and returned home to the states shortly after. Smith began his teaching career at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where he was a professor 22 years. After retiring from Southwestern, Ebbie earned another master’s degree in sociology, worked as a hospital chaplain, and served as interim pastor for several churches. Throughout his career, he also wrote 12 books, co-authored four books and co-edited a major book on missions. Ultimately, he felt called back to teaching and became an adjunct professor of sociology and philosophy professor at Tarrant County College, where he taught until age 91. He was preceded in death by brothers, Noel and Gary, and by sons Roger and Randy. He is survived by his wife of 72 years, Donna; his son Robin; daughter Rianna; seven grandchildren Roger, Michael, Becky, Donald, Nathan, Cody and Danielle; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. A memorial service is scheduled at 11 a.m. on June 12 at Southwayside Baptist Church in Fort Worth.
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