TEMPLE, Texas — Paul Smith has spent 76 years making his mark on Temple, and this year, he’ll add another chapter to his legacy by serving as the Grand Marshal for the city's annual Christmas parade.
Smith, a 1966 graduate of Temple High School, recalls the year he became part of history as a member of the first graduating class of what was then a new high school.
"I graduated from Temple High. We were the first graduating class of the new high school back in 1966," Smith said, reflecting on his deep-rooted connection to the community.
After high school, Smith began a career at H-E-B, working his way up from bagging groceries to building a 50-year career at the local grocery store. "I just stayed on and made it a 50-year career," Smith said.
His service, however, extends far beyond the walls of the grocery store. Smith has been an active volunteer with the American Legion for decades, dedicating his time to support local veterans. He also played a pivotal role in fundraising for the Morgan’s Point Police Department, helping to raise $11,000 to purchase equipment for the department’s needs.
"We donated $11,000 to the Morgan's Point Police Department to buy the things they needed," Smith said.
In addition to his community involvement, Smith is an accomplished drag bike racer. "I won one world championship and just numerous state championships and national championships," he said. "Well, I only fell off once."
For over two decades, Smith has also been a fixture in Temple’s Christmas parade, volunteering his time to help organize and participate in the event.
"I volunteered for the City of Temple Christmas parade for roughly 20 some odd years," he said. "Seeing all the people and waving to everybody, it was really special."
This year, Smith will step into the spotlight as the Grand Marshal of the parade, an honor he is eager to embrace. "This parade Grand Marshal will be a new adventure for me, which I’m really looking forward to," Smith said. "It’s a great honor to be with all the great folks who have been grand marshals of the parade. The list of dignitaries is just awesome."
Smith’s dedication to Temple, from his years at H-E-B to his service work and his love for racing, has made him a beloved figure in the community, and his leadership in this year’s Christmas parade will be a fitting tribute to his 76 years of service and spirit.
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