Dr. Robert Aaron Smith

Robert Aaron Smith was born May 28, 1940 in Troup, Texas. He passed away and went to be with his Lord on September 29, 2010 in Nacogdoches, Texas.

He was the son of Aaron Eugene Smith of Nacogdoches and Barbara Cross Smith of Troup. Growing up in Troup, Texas, Robert Aaron acquired a strong work ethic and character at an early age by working on his grandfather’s (Joseph Cross) cattle ranch and by rough necking in the East Texas oilfield starting at the age of 14.

He attended Troup High School and lettered in track, baseball, basketball and football. He was all district in 1956, 1957 and 1958 in all four sports and team captain in baseball, basketball and football. In addition, he was selected as the District’s Most Valuable Player in Football in 1958. Robert Aaron was also the Senior Class President and voted most popular.

Robert Aaron attended Stephen F. Austin State University on a football scholarship. While at SFA, Robert lettered in football and was the team’s captain. Additionally, he was the Senior Class President, Mr. SFA, a member of the Sawyers (Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity), the Biology Honor Society and Who’s Who among students in American Colleges and Universities. Robert Aaron was also a bull rider and bareback rider as a member of the SFA Rodeo Club.

Upon graduation from Stephen F. Austin with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology, he attended Baylor College of Dentistry and graduated in 1966 as the Psi Omega Outstanding Senior. Robert Aaron returned to Nacogdoches to open his dental practice. He distinguished himself as an accomplished dentist and surgeon who specialized in Implantology. His career accomplishments include being a Fellow in the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and the American College of Oral Implantology.

Dr. Smith was also a founding member and stockholder of Nacogdoches Medical Center and served as a board member for several decades. Robert and Vida Smith helped found Nacogdoches Telecommunications Inc. after the breakup of AT&T and later sold the business to LCTX Communications.

A life member of the SFA Alumni Association, Dr. Smith has been involved for more than 30 years with the Association and the Alumni Foundation serving two terms as President of the Alumni Association and as board member for the SFASU Foundation. In 1979, Robert Aaron was elected into the SFA Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the football field. In 2003 he was honored with the SFA Distinguished Alumnus Award.

A 32nd degree Mason and Shriner, Robert was a lifetime member of Milam Lodge #2 in Nacogdoches. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches Rotary Club, lifetime member of Safari Club International and founding board member of the Pineywoods Chapter, lifetime member of Ducks Unlimited, an NRA lifetime member and was a founding member of Texas Trophy Hunter’s Association. He was also a professional hunting guide and outfitter in the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado. He was an avid hunter and pursued his passion of hunting big game all over the world.

Robert Aaron enjoyed the simple things in life – family, friends and the great outdoors. His greatest satisfaction came from helping others. He constantly gave his time, money and effort to advance the dreams of countless young people and those in need.

Robert Aaron also played the piano and organ and could sing. He was an extremely charismatic storyteller. He was the eternal optimist with a larger than life personality and was absolutely fearless in his approach to life. He never met a stranger and was genuinely nice to everyone regardless of their station in life. He saw the good in everyone.

Survivors include his wife of almost thirty years, Vida Vacula Smith, sons and daughter-in-laws, Shannon and Marcie Smith, Slaton and Robin Smith, Paul and Susan Vacula, Kurt and Tanya Vacula, son-in-law and daughter, Steve and Cassey Scales. Sister, Dr. Barbara Carol Smith, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Sam and Louise Sharp, Anthony and Helen Ann Tantillo; and sister-in-law, Diane Lederer. His grandchildren include Ben and Andrew Smith, Gunnar, Jake and Gus Smith, Simon and Spencer Vacula, Nicholas, Erin and Ethan Vacula, and Elliott and Madelynne Scales.

Dr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, Aaron Eugene Smith and Barbara Cross Smith, his first wife, Susan Sharp Smith, sister-in-law, Suzanne Kowalski and brother-in-law, Al Lederer.

Honorary Pallbearers are Floyd Dobbs, Bob Sitton, Joe Max Green, Dr. Jack Nelson, Cecil Roach, Ray Rinker, R. A. Brookshire, Bryant Krenek, Ronnie Manchester, Piero Fenci, Randy Ivy, Ricky Ivy, Dr. Arthur Leo Speck, Dr. Joe Burkett, Pat Heffernan, Roger Dudley, Simon Martinez, Dr. Dennis Coffman, Dr. Robert P. Lehmann, Dr. Bryan Blevins and Merk Williams.

Pallbearers are Jefferson Davis, John Green, Rex Perry, Gary Russell, Randy Leonhardt, Dr. Aaron Polk (DDS) and Matthew Cox.

The family would like to express their gratitude and special thanks to Vinnie Curtis for taking care of Dr. Smith.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to The Robert A. and Vida Smith Athletic Scholarship c/o SFA Alumni Association, P O Box 6096, SFA Station, Nacogdoches, TX 75962 or to the National Parkinson’s Foundation, Gift Processing Center, P .O. Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018.

Service will be held Sunday, October 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, Nacogdoches, Texas. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 2, 2010 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home, Nacogdoches, Texas.

Condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.