Lynch Davidson "David" Smyth

Lynch Davidson “David” Smyth passed away peacefully at his home on the 6th of September, 2014. David was born in Houston on the 23rd of September, 1924, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, to George W. Smyth and Marion Davidson Smyth.

David attended Houston public schools, the Manlius Military School near Syracuse, New York, and Cornell University prior to World War II. During the war, David served his country in the United States Army Air Corps as a B-24 pilot in the Southwest Pacific for 11 months, flying 51 combat missions. Following his military service, he attended the University of Texas at Austin from which he graduated in 1948. While at University of Texas, he met Teresa McKenzie and they married in 1950. David and Teresa were married for 50 years until her death in 2001. In 2006, David and Kathryn Pyne married and they enjoyed many days ranching, hiking and traveling together. David was a member of the Church of St. John the Divine and served on the vestry during his long tenure with the church. David served on the Board of the Houston SPCA for 42 years including 29 years as board president. He particularly enjoyed working with Executive Director Patricia Mercer. In addition, David served on the board of the Texas Children’s Hospital Foundation for 19 years. He was a member of the Houston Country Club, Coronado Club, and the Eagle Lake Rod and Gun Club.

David was an avid outdoorsman. In 1971, he and his friend Clint Josey explored the Noatak River - more than 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle - for two weeks in Avon inflatable boats. Of special note is David’s love of his ranch in Maverick County and the hunts he hosted for his friends for more than 60 years.

David was active in the oil and gas business for 57 years, beginning in Starr County with Sun Oil Corporation. After leaving Sun, he started his own company, which he ran until recently.

David will be forever remembered for his gentle nature, quiet sense of humor, and quick smile. Above all, he valued his family and good friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Teresa, and his sister Kathleen Smith. He is survived by his wife Kathy; son Tracy Davidson Smyth; son Brian Mackenzie Smyth and his wife Rebecca Marvil; stepson Samuel Pyne and his wife Mary Sommers; and his four granddaughters - Amy Miranda Smyth of Ashland Oregon, Louise Davidson Smyth of Shreveport, Camille Rivington Pyne and Marguerite Watts Pyne, of Houston; niece Kathleen Guill of Houston; nephew Sidney Smith and his wife Mary of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; nephew Dorrance Smith and his wife Tamara of Arlington, Virginia; nephew Lee Smith and his wife April of Austin, Texas; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Special thanks go to David’s caregivers over the last year: the late Susan Hall, Donna Mayberry, Shirley Woolbright, Evenetta Lara, Linda Maxey, James Brewer, Evelyn Remmie, and Evia Kimble. They all had a special place in his heart.

Serving as honorary pallbearers are: Paul Gervais Bell, Jr., Aubrey C. Black, Ben A. Brollier, John W. Elder, Clinton W. Josey, Jr., William Rice Lummis, Albert E. Magill, George A. Peterkin, III, Risher Randall, and Wallace S. Wilson.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Wednesday, the 10th of September, in the Library and Grand Foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A celebration of David’s life will be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Thursday, the 11th of September, at The Church of St. John the Divine, 2450 River Oaks Boulevard in Houston, where the Rev. Dr. Douglas W. Richnow, Senior Associate Rector and the Rev. Dr. Laurens A. Hall are to officiate.

Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent Sumners Hall.

Prior to the memorial service, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Glenwood Cemetery in Houston.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions in memory of Lynch Davidson Smyth may be directed to the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Dr., Houston, TX, 770024; or Texas Children’s Hospital, Office of Development, 1919 South Braeswood, Ste. 5214, Houston, TX, 77030.

Arrangements under the direction of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons Funeral Directors, Houston, TX.