James “Smiley” William Britten, 96, of White Deer passed away at his home with his family by his side on June 18, 2021 in White Deer.
Mass will be 10:00 AM Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Deer with Rev. Mieczyslaw Przepiora, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of Vega, officiating. Burial will follow in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.
Rosary will be 6:30 PM Friday, June 25, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in White Deer.
Smiley was born November 6, 1924 in Groom to Bernard and Josephine Britten. He graduated from Groom High School and went on to serve our country in the US Army. On January 18, 1950 he married the love of his life, Erma Ritter. While Smiley lived in Groom he served as justice of the peace, drove the ambulance, and was a car salesman. They moved to White Deer in 1955 where he worked for Richardson Motor Company for a few years. In 1960 he began his career with Skelly/Getty Oil Company retiring after 26 ½ years. He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, serving on the parish committee and cemetery committee. He also was a longtime member of the American Legion. Smiley enjoyed traveling across the country, playing Wahoo, and loved to visit different Bingo Halls. He was very crafty and handy with wood, making items such as benches, bird houses, and washer boards. Smiley loved his God, family, and his country.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy Britten Cooper; son-in-law, Benny Cooper; 3 sisters, Margaret Babcock, Leona Newsome, and Louise Acker; 2 brothers, Tom Britten and Ray Britten.
Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Erma Britten of the home; daughter, Lynda Paul of White Deer; 3 sons, Nicky Britten and wife Karen of Houston, Nelson Britten and wife Teresa of White Deer, and Max Britten and wife Sue of Olathe, Kansas; 2 brothers, George Britten and wife Janie of Groom and Melvin Britten of Duncan, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Bob Brown of Amarillo; Smiley was PaPaw to his 9 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and 10 great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial can be sent to White Deer EMS, 309 W 2nd Ave St, White Deer, TX 79097 or WDS Lighthouse Food Pantry, 404 S Main St, White Deer, TX 79097.
Sign the online guest register at www.carmichael-whatley.com
