Paul Smith Puckett, 97, of Coleman died Thursday, October 28, 2016 at Brownwood Regional Medical Center in Brownwood.  Funeral service with Military Honors will be 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 West Pecan Street, Coleman, with Rev. John Stanislaw officiating.  Burial will follow in the Coleman City Cemetery.  Services are under the direction of Stevens Funeral Home.

Paul Smith Puckett was born July 27, 1919 in Silver Point, Tennessee to Alfred Taylor Puckett and Ethel Mae Smith Puckett.  He grew up and attended school in Silver Point.  Following graduation from high school, Mr. Puckett enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II as a radio operator and mechanic.  On February 19, 1944, he married Billie Jo Norris in San Angelo.

After being discharged from the Army Air Corps in November of 1945, Mr. Puckett moved his family to Coleman County.  He worked as a driller, working for R & M Oil Field Salvage, Rhone Elevator and Ira Pump and Supply.  Mr. Puckett was also a farmer and rancher.  He loved gardening.  He tilled and planted his garden until the age of 92.

Survivors include two daughters, Paulette Connelly and husband, Tommy Mac, of Coleman, Patricia Owens and husband, Lynn, of Coleman; four grandsons, Shea Connelly and wife, Kari, Casey Connelly, Mitch Todd and wife, Colette, Dusty Todd and wife, Courtney; seven grandchildren, Taylor Connelly, Evan and Aiden Connelly, Zane and Gunner Todd, Kellan and Charlee Todd and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Mr. Puckett was also preceded in death by his wife, Billie Jo Puckett on February 2, 2009, one brother, James Puckett and one sister, Lillie Dale Bartlett.

Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 at Stevens Funeral Home.

Memorial donations in memory of Mr. Puckett may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.livingmemorials.com.