THREE RIVERS – People packed in the Three Rivers school district auditorium to participate in the celebration of Ian Smith’s life, on Saturday, Dec. 15.

Smith died in a one-vehicle accident 27.6 miles north of Fort Stockton on Dec. 9. He was a student and athlete at Sul Ross State University.

The Three Rivers auditorium seats about 500 people.

The Three Rivers fight song was performed before Three Rivers school district coach Randy Palmer spoke.

Palmer talked about the effect Smith had on other students when Smith was a student and football player at Three Rivers High School.

He said all the girls wanted to be with him and all the boys wanted to be Ian.

Sul Ross State University head football coach Wayne Schroeder also spoke about Smith.

Schroeder said Smith’s No. 10 would not be retired from the team. Instead, another Three Rivers player would receive the number: Morgan Ross.

Brother Kevin Mackey of the Three Rivers Church of Christi provided the service.

Clif Hunter, Elder at the Three Rivers Church of Christi, led the songs: “Jesus Loves Me,” a song Mackey said was Smith’s favorite.

Also, “Thank You, Lord,” a song thanking God for bringing Ian into the lives of so many. And “No Tears in Heaven,” was sung to explain that Ian would be happy in heaven.

Mackey said a video of Ian and his sister Shelly singing the theme from “Titanic” also was played: “My Heart will Go On.”

Mackey said Smith’s heart will go on in the people whose lives he touched.

Interment followed in the Three Rivers Cemetery with the Sul Ross football chaplain, and coach, Dan Dunagan, conducting grave side services.

Mackey said the turnout at grave side was the most he’d seen from students and young people.