Myrl Smith 1923 – July 18, 2020

Myrl Smith, passed away in Fort Collins, Colo., at the age of 96. He was born in Brinkley in 1923. He coached Albuquerque, N.M. High School to a pair of state championship football games in 1961 and 1967, and also led the Bulldogs to two state wrestling titles in 1959 and 1961.

Smith, the youngest of seven children, served in the Navy in World War II and later played football for the University of New Mexico. He died of Alzheimer's-related complications, according to his son Jerry Smith.

He coached the Bulldogs' football program from 1958-1974, compiling a 69-89-9 record. Smith was inducted into the New Mexico High School Coaches Association Hall of Honor in 1987, and also was a former coach of the North All-Star football team. After serving in the Navy in the Pacific, where, Jerry Smith said, his father personally witnessed the official surrender of Japan, he settled in Albuquerque.

Myrl was preceded in death by Brother's Earl Smith Carl Smith and sisters Gladys Smith Johnson and Edna Smith Taylor.

He is survived by four children, sons, Ron, Jerry and Randy; and daughter, Jana Perry; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Jerry Smith said the family hopes to do a celebration of life event for his father at a later date. The family had a private service for Smith.