W. Smythe Shepherd Papers

William Smythe Shepherd was born to Gertrude Smythe Shepherd and George Harry Shepherd on February 1, 1916. A Beaumont native, Shepherd attended local schools including: Averill Elementary, Dick Dowling Junior High, and Beaumont High Schools. He would also go on to attend Texas A&M, as well as Illinois Industrial Engineering Institute. After college, Shepherd would marry Priscilla Townsend, a Port Arthur native. They would have three children together: Anne, Bill, and John. As a child, Shepherd worked for the family company, Shepherd Laundry, which was founded by his grandfather. During World War II, the company would serve both ships and local ports. The business would eventually expand and have branches in Houston and San Antonio, as well. Smythe Shepherd worked with the family company until he retired at 95 years old. Shepherd was involved in many community organizations including: Sons of the Republic of Texas, Knights of San Jacinto, the Texas Gulf Historical Society, and the Downtown Beaumont Rotary Club. Additionally, Shepherd was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church. Smythe Shepherd passed away January 6, 2015.