Julius "JJ" Joseph Smolik

Julius Joseph (JJ) Smolik, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in Wharton, Texas on September 10, 2018. Julius was born on October 18, 1930 in Halletsville, Texas to John and Lillie Smolik. He was greatly devoted to his faith and his family.  He was a loving son, brother, father, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather.  He was a role model and his unconditional love, loyalty and passion for life will be missed. Family was always his number one priority.  In his later years, he was simply known to all as “Grandfather”.   Julius grew up in Halletsville, Texas as a fun loving, enthusiastic young man who enjoyed life every day.  He was one of a kind.  He was an Eagle Scout, a high school state track champion in hurdles and voted most favorite in his senior class at Halletsville High School.  Julius starred as a speedy college football halfback at Wharton County Junior College and the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. He graduated from North Texas with a degree in Business.  He is a veteran of the United States Marine Corp Reserve.   Julius married Hilda Sabrsula in 1951. They raised one son and five daughters and were extremely devoted to their family.  He spent his career in Newgulf, Texas working for Texasgulf Sulphur Company.  He was a board of director member of the Texasgulf Credit Union for many years.  Julius was active in the community as a little league baseball manager, boy scout leader and spent considerable time with area youth.  He refereed high school football and basketball for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing 42 dominos and all kinds of sports.  He retired in 1995 and spent his retirement years in Wharton. He was well known for his numerous one-liners and always having a fun loving, positive attitude. His biggest passion was spending time with his family.  He was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.    Julius was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 56 years, Hilda, and his daughter, Jackie Smolik Herschap.  He is survived by his brother, Johnny Smolik and sister, Doris Kilpatrick; children Sam Smolik and wife Stephanie, Lou Ann Kacal and husband Gary, Gayle Kacal, Gina Hand and husband Rob and Lisa Stolle and husband John; grandchildren Sharon Smolik Anderson and husband Kyle, Brandon Smolik, Eric Kacal, Jennifer Kacal, Kevin Kacal, Kyle Kacal and wife Amber, Kristi Kacal, Alison Herschap, Max Herschap, Hayley Hand, Renee Hand, Nicole Stolle, Kelsey Stolle Walenta and husband Michael; and great grandchildren Taylor Anderson, Henry Anderson and Everly Freese. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews.     The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to his caregivers Diane Mendiola and Lupe Rivera for their loving, dedicated and compassionate care for our father.   A rosary, visitation and celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, September 13 at Wharton Funeral Home (visitation 6:00-7:00 followed by rosary and celebration of life at 7:00).  A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 14 at 10:00 AM at St. John Catholic Church in Hungerford.  A Rite of Committal and burial will follow at St John Catholic Cemetery.   Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com