Dwight Perry Smith

Dwight Perry Smith, 80, of West Lake Hills, TX, passed away on February 26, 2021, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Dwight was born on January 23, 1941, to Robert and Susie Smith in St. Augustine, FL. After graduating from St. Augustine’s Ketterlinus High School in 1959, where he starred in both baseball and football, he went on to attend Florida State University on a football scholarship in the fall of that same year. His first passion was baseball, and he soon switched to a baseball scholarship at FSU and went on to compete in the College World Series in 1962. In 1965, Dwight joined The National Guard where he served until his honorable discharge in 1971. He was awarded Outstanding Trainee after basic training in Stewart, GA, shortly thereafter.

In August 1966, Dwight moved to Austin, TX, to join his brother Charles at Evelyn Wood Reading Dynamics where they ran a successful venture until 1973. For several years thereafter, he enjoyed the commodities market, especially the silver market in the 1970s. In 1976, he formed a children’s clothing store business in Austin and soon spun off a very successful electronics business, Magnatronics, that became his life’s work until 2011. During that span Dwight was a longtime member of the Austin Country Club, having the great fortune to sharpen his game from Harvey Penick in the early days at the old Riverside course. In mid-2011, he retired and spent 100% of his time dearly loving his family in Austin, TX. Dwight enjoyed nothing more than a large family gathering with lots of laughter at his favorite iconic Austin restaurants. He also treasured his annual trips to St. Augustine for weeks during each summer to be with lifelong friends and family, play golf, fish the beautiful Florida waterways, relax at the beach, and enjoy everything his hometown has to offer. Last, but certainly not least, he loved cheering for Florida State University in every major sport, especially football.

Dwight was predeceased by his parents, brother Charles, and brother Wayne. He is survived by his son, Greg Smith (Julie), daughter Rebecca Haden (Noble), Meredith Smith (Molly), and his four grandchildren, Gracen Smith, Georgia Haden, Lucy Smith, and Ruby Haden. He is also survived by his brother, Lockwood Smith, and his sister, Jeannie Raymond (Pat). Dwight was admired, loved, and adored by his large, extended family and many dear friends. Words cannot describe the generosity that existed in his heart and soul; he truly lived his life for others and it brought him tremendous joy. His spirit lives on in our hearts.

A memorial service to celebrate Dwight’s life will be held at a later date in his hometown of St. Augustine, FL. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dwight’s name to the charity or cause of your choice.