Eddie Joe Smithson

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Eddie J. Smithson, who left us on May 8th, 2025. Eddie was a remarkable individual whose life was filled with love, compassion, and dedication to family, friends, and community.

Early Life

Born on November 9th, 1933, in Clovis, NM. Eddie was the beloved child of Clyde and Ruby Powell Smithson. Eddie grew up in Carlsbad, NM and attended Carlsbad High School and met his wife, Jackie Hunt. From a young age, Eddie exhibited a zest for life and a passion for helping others.

Career and Accomplishments

After High School Eddie enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and was stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. After his return, he moved his family to Farmington, NM where he started his career in Hotel Management. Eddie then moved the family to Las Cruces, NM where he co-owned and managed the Palms Motor Hotel. Eddie’s good-natured humor endeared him to many always treating his employees as he would like to be treated. Hiring so many NMSU students that later, whether in managing hotels in Albuquerque, Las Cruces, or Santa Fe they all greeted him as Boss; so, his friends threatened to make a bumper sticker stating, “Honk if you’ve worked for Eddie Smithson”. Eddie was known as a Statewide leader in the hospitality industry and served on several Industry Organization Boards. Eddie served on the Advisory boards of NMSU’s Hospitality commission and honored to receive awards from his industry colleagues such as Restaurateur of the year in 1980, Innkeeper of the year in 1986, Tourism Hall of Fame in 1997, and Citizen of the Year – Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce among others. With his infectious personality Eddie never met a stranger and quickly discovered that “People love to laugh with you when you are laughing at yourself”. After Eddie’s last property was sold, Eddie went to work for the State of NM in the Tourism Dept. until retirement. Eddie achieved great success and touched many lives. Known for his unwavering commitment and work ethic, hospitality, and friendship, Eddie was respected by colleagues and clients alike.

Personal Life

Upon retirement Eddie and Jackie Moved to Sun City, TX in 2012 to be closer to family. Eddie was a member of the Worship Place in Sun City, TX. Eddie was a loving Spouse to Jackie Smithson and a devoted parent to Samie Martinez and Shari Hardman. Eddie enjoyed spending his free time working in the yard, tending to his plants, and blowing leaves from the driveway whether it needed it or not. Eddie was known for his kindness, generosity, and the ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved.

Survived By

Eddie is survived by his wife of 74 years Jackie Smithson, daughters Samie Martinez, Shari Hardman of Galveston, TX, Grandsons Jason Martinez (Juanita), Joey Martinez (Monica), Kailan Hardman, 6 Great Grandchildren, and his Brother Bill Smithson (Mary) of Abilene, TX who will forever cherish their memory. They will be missed by friends, colleagues, and everyone whose life they touched.

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date in Santa Fe, NM and internment of Eddie’s cremated remains will be at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe, NM.

May Eddie rest in peace, knowing that his life was well-lived and that he was deeply loved.