Barry William Smith

Barry William Smith was received by the angels into his heavenly reward on January 15, 2024 at the age of 92. He was a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and faithful servant of God. Born in Houston, Texas on June 14, 1931 to Helen and Cecil Smith, he was the seventh of twelve children.

Barry attended St. Thomas High School where he was awarded the Babe Ruth Foundation Sportsmanship Award. Upon graduation, he joined the Congregation of St. Basil and continued his education at The University of Toronto. Barry left the seminary prior to ordination feeling the priesthood was not his true calling. Back in Houston, he taught math at his alma mater. Barry met Sally Jordan, the love of his life. They married on Barry's birthday in 1958. The couple raised six children and centered their lives around the St. Michael's community.

Barry joined Schindler-Cummins Realty then later branched out on his own with Barry W. Smith Interests. But more than his career, he was known as a people person. Family gatherings usually included rounds of toasting with his wise words. Meals would go frigid as he recounted the family's blessings, always concluding with his favorite mantra: "Nothing is more important than family." And cherish his family, he did. For his kids and 13 grandkids, he attended countless games, recitals, plays, graduations, and weddings. He was a showstopper dancing with each bride.

Barry and Sally enjoyed travel to Europe, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Las Vegas. A favorite memory: While waiting in a casino before a comedy show, Barry plopped down for a few hands of Blackjack. He started winning, not losing a single hand. He was up to his ears in chips. He loved winning! He didn't buy a fancy watch or new car but instead took the family on their very first snow skiing trip. He always believed in sharing his good fortune.

Throughout his life, people often remarked that Barry resembled the Kennedys. A casting director asked him to play Senator Ted Kennedy in the 1983 movie "Adam." Barry was honored to have a role in this true story of a missing boy and his parents' quest to reform child protection laws.

Barry loved baseball, supporting the Astros through droughts and championships. Coaching his youngest son in little league and taking grandsons to Rice baseball games were two of his joys. As a member of Braeburn Country Club, he enjoyed years of golfing and games of gin in the clubhouse. In 2005, he achieved the elusive hole-in-one!

His St. Thomas alumni friends were a tight group usually gathering for lunch at Renata's, Patrenella's, or Carrabba's. In recent years, Barry won the St. Thomas Alumni Poker Tournament twice, and no one was surprised. At St. Michael's parish, he wore many volunteer hats including Eucharistic Minister, altar server, lector, funeral assistant, and daily mass helper. Once he even substituted for a no-show priest, celebrating mass with already consecrated hosts.

Barry will not be easily forgotten. For Sally, he was the husband she dreamed of. To his children, he was a guiding light. To his grandkids, he was larger than life itself. To his friends, he was the one you could count on. So, next time you win a game, or a hand at poker, or even a scratch-off lottery ticket, think of Barry. And be nice to people, he'd say. Tell them you love them.

Barry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Sally Smith; his children: Barry Smith, Jr. (Mary), Suzanne Grant (Danny), Kevin Smith (Becky), Alison Rice (Randy), Annette Boatwright (John), and Stephen Smith (Stella); his grandchildren: Barry Smith III (Brittany), Daniel Grant III (Emily), Jordan Rutherford (Robert), Harrison Grant (Jennifer), Kailia Lopez (Josh), Stesha Velez (Wes), Leslie Berberian (Armen), Matthew Rice (Clara), Sarah Boatwright, Genevieve Boatwright, Frances Boatwright, Matina Smith, and Stephen Smith, Jr.; and his great-grandchildren: Eloise Grant, Birdie Grant, and Mary Ellen Rutherford.

The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Stavinoha, M.D., caregiver Santos Cardenas, the priests of St. Thomas and St. Michael and parishioners for their friendship and prayers.

Visitation/Holy Rosary: Mon, Jan. 22 from 5-7 pm, Earthman Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Frwy, 77024. Mass of Christian Burial: Tues, Jan. 23 at 11 am, St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 1801 Sage Rd, 77056.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following:

St. Thomas High School https://www.sths.org/support/fundraising/memorialgifts/

St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church https://www.stmichaelchurch.net/online-giving

Published by Houston Chronicle on Jan. 21, 2024.