Royal Dennis Smith

He attended Muskogee public schools and graduated with honors from Central High School in 1965.

After high school, Royal’s family moved to Dallas, Texas. He attended Abilene Christian College and was an honor graduate in 1970. At ACC, Royal was active in many clubs and programs. His proudest accomplishment was being a member of the USO Hilltop Singers, and performing with the USO European tour in the fall of 1968. Royal was an incredibly talented pianist and vocalist. He volunteered his musical talents as song leader for the churches he attended.

After graduating college, Royal started his career in California as assistant to the Dean of Law School at Pepperdine University. He later moved to Dallas and worked in different positions and departments at Braniff Airlines, and as a legal administrator and office manager for Dallas law firms.

Royal’s ultimate calling was teaching at the Court Reporting Institute of Dallas where he was a beloved instructor and colleague. Royal taught all levels of students and really enjoyed taking groups to Austin for their state test.

In his extensive travels, Royal met famous people such as Eleanor Roosevelt, and Ronald and Nancy Reagan. He was the ultimate extrovert who was quick with a laugh and a story. Royal leaves behind a plethora of cousins, friends, former colleagues, students, and church members who dearly love him.