Tyler was a singular extraordinary man. His strength of character, physical strength, and self-discipline were evident at a young age. Years of gymnastic training culminated when he won 5th All Around in the National Gymnastics Federation Competition at the age of 15. Tyler’s natural mechanical skills also showed early on, by age 8, he could change the brakes on a Volkswagen Beetle, and by 17, he could disassemble and reassemble an engine by himself.
After working as a mechanic for Audi/Volkswagen, Tyler returned to school at Southern Illinois University and earned a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology (Engineering). While in college, he received a Citizen Award from the Carbondale Police Department and 3 other plaques awarded for heroically catching and restraining a serial rapist after hearing a call for help.
In his professional life, Tyler worked in quality control at many companies such as Texas Instruments, Motorola, Futaba, and NSK Steering Systems. He later joined Temple College and Temple Economic Development Corporation in Texas, where he met the love of his life, Diane. Consistent with Tyler’s never ending skill competency, he worked for Alamo College in San Antonio, creating various training programs for trades such as welding, masonry, and plumbing. While at Alamo College, a former colleague referred him to MIC Manufacturing in Brenham where he became the Director of Quality Control over five plants. Tyler’s most dedicated job, however, was that of a father.
Never a day went by that Ty didn’t have multiple ideas of things to do, whether it be working on the house, helping someone fix a boat, taking a drive, or writing letters to the governor and congressmen advocating for more pay for direct care workers and quality homes for the disabled. He was known all of his life for his incredible amount of energy and search for knowledge. But he always found time to call and connect with longtime friends and extended family members that he held dear to his heart.
Ty loved anything with an engine- cars, boats, motorcycles, and ATVs. He was also, unmistakably a meticulous handyman and home renovator.
During the last decade of his life, along with the help of his Church Community at Keypoint Church, Leander, TX, and his wife Diane, Ty developed a deep love of Christ and a desire to be a more worthy man of God. His spirit became one of hope, gratitude, and love, which carried him years beyond his expected cancer outcome.
Tyler is survived by his wife Rebecca Diane Hill-Smith; his children, Slater Smith and Shannon Smith; his stepson David McCann and wife Sunny, daughter- in- law, Randi Bingham and step-grandchildren Luke Bingham, Reese Bingham, Annelise McCann and Elora McCann, his sisters, Jennifer Burke and husband, Peter Burke, Lisa Smith and Sue (Smith) Hill; and his stepmother, Rita Smith many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Tyler was preceded in death by his father, William Lee Smith and his mother, Audrey (Jacobus) Tauebner and stepson Joshua Luke Bingham.
The family warmly invites you to the Visitation at 10:00 a.m. followed by the Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m., December 13, 2025, at Summers Mill Retreat and Conference Center in the “Yellow Rose Event Center” located at 7441 FM 1123, Belton, TX. 76513.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Texas Prader Willi Association in Tyler W. Smith’s name or KeyPoint Church Leander, TX at the links below:
Texas Prader Willi Association in Tyler W. Smith’s name:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=JBZV7BG6UA9SN&ssrt=1764782633386
KeyPoint Church Leander, TX:
https://pushpay.com/g/keypointchurchcedarpark
The family would like to especially thank Dr. Carlos Rubin de Celis, M.D., who became like family to us, and the staff at Texas Oncology Austin, TX. We also want to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Karunakar Annapureddy and staff at St. David’s Hospital Austin, TX for their unwavering compassionate care.
