I am forever grateful for Bryan taking the time to speak with my Vietnam vet husband. After reading YEAR OF THE MONKEY and speaking with Bryan, my husband made the decision to seek mental health help. Godspeed Bryan, your life mattered.

~*Deep saddness envelopes me honouring My 'Ashby cousin'  Bryan Smothers passing Sun Aug 19 8:30am Houston TX. Working together in research many years was great joy with him as we so wanted to resolve an issue of his family ancestry. I know what an amazing, admired, respected father, husband, cousin, friend to many knew of him as I did. He was Member of 101st Airborne Div, a Screaming Eagle, Vietnam Vet w/4 purple hearts, 1 silver, 1 bronze star amongst others, wrote an awesome true story into a book of his VN military engagement, '1968 Year of the Monkey'. Now sadly, God Bless you dear cuz, made his final jump. At his request was no viewing services, only a reception. My deepest sincere blessings, prayers go forth to his beloved family now left to travel path through darken tunnels of days ahead, please 'lean on his jovial memories'.*~

It was my honor to serve Bryan in the Legends and Heroes Tent at Wings Over Houston. His willingness to share his Vietnam story and to reach out to other Vietnam veterans, including my husband, will forever remain in my heart. Godspeed, Bryan. Eternal rest grant unto him, oh, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.

Bryan and I were great friends at Berry elementary up until the fourth grade when our family moved.. We went to different middle schools and then went to Sam Houston … I didn't spend much time (quit in the 10th and joined the Marines) there but did get to reconnect with Bryan.. I found out through a Marti Mason post on FB that he had died... It really got to me , didn't know he had written a book which I ordered and read in a couple of days... I was also in VN from 65-66 and it brought back so many memories.... Wish I would have connected with him after coming back...RIP my friend...….Tommy

It is with a great sadness that I have learned of the passing of this fine man. It is also with great honor that I was able to meet him. I first met him in the Legends tent at Wings over Houston and after a few minutes of talking to him, I knew I had to read his book. So after purchasing my graciously signed copy I took it back to my motel room and began to read it. I read half of it that night and finished it in two days.  And then a month later I read it again. 
I was only a child when Mr.  Smothers was in the war, and I can't imagine what he and so many other young men and woman who went overseas had seen. But after reading his book, I came to a small understanding that what they did go through was something that they would never be able to rid themselves of and hopefully would be able to live with it a little easier as time goes by. 


While at mass this morning I learned of Bryan's passing, and was totally shocked.
I met Bryan many years ago when he was working with George Mitchell and I was working for Johnny Mitchell we became friends, met Maria and thought they were the perfect couple, so sweet and always had a smile and kind word.
Maria and Bianca my thoughts and prayers are with you both, so sorry I didn't know about the service.

Mary Jo Pawlowski
  

I worked with Bryan over many years, and he was always a delight. Super talented, always professional, ever resourceful.  I sent him all over the world on photo assignments, and I always knew the clients would love him and he would bring back amazing images. He was a super person, always upbeat, humorous and kind. I will miss him, and my condolences go out to Maria and Bianca.

Katie & I loved Bryan like a brother for years and then as time does we got separated.  But Katie was blessed to see him at the BRAND X 'reunion'.  Time stood still she said.  Bryan was one of the nicest men we ever knew & will always be in our hearts.  We'll see each other again.  RIP dear one.  "The Twins" will love you forever.

Bryan was a fixture in my family,  a chosen "Uncle" for me and one of my father's dearest friends.  My dad helped him restore his beloved 1950 Woody. I would house sit for him when he and Maria went on vacation. His hugs were the best. His heart, even better. He was one of the most amazing people I have ever known. He was the kind of man that when he spoke, people really listened.  He will leave a legacy of strength, love, and dedication. He always knew how to make you laugh. On behalf of the Felder Family, you will be dearly missed. 

I met Bryan some years ago when he participated in the Wings Over Houston Legends & Heroes Tent where I volunteer serving our Veterans. I purchased both editions of his book, THE YEAR OF THE MONKEY, and gave them to my husband, who is also a Vietnam Vet. I introduced them. I owe Bryan so much. His legacy will live on in those books. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers to his family. I will so miss him.


I knew Bryan from Sam Houston High School; I knew Bryan as  a classmate going off to the Vietnam war; I knew Bryan as we were reunited for our 45th class reunion. He never met a stranger and he never forgot an old friend. I’ve never known anyone like Bryan.  His love for his wife Maria and his daughter Bianca was highest on his list, yet he loved everyone he met.  As a friend I recognized Bryan as a true follower of Christ...”Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” (James 1:27)  I will never forget him. I am thankful he is healthy.  I am thankful he is at peace as he is welcomed into his Father God’s Kingdom. See you again, my friend!
Shirley Riley Davis

I first met Bryan through Sister Kathleen Mitchell at St. Rose School where his daughter Bianca and my son Max were students.  I was doing PR for the school and Kathleen would usually ask Bryan to do the photography, which he always cheerfully contributed!  We all became friends and  he later was a frequent guest at my family's annual St. Patrick's Day parties, where he was a lively participant! He loved his family, his country and his community. My prayers are with Maria and Bianca as they learn to live without him.

Bryan was nice, sincere and compassionate.  He brought delight and energy to life.  He loved people and never failed to help someone in their hour of need.  He was another brother to me.  He loved Maria and Bianca with all his heart.  It takes a day to know someone and a lifetime to forget them.  I will never forget Bryan.

Sherry Nevels Hoke

Bryan was a wonderful guy, loved by so many.  He loved people and they loved him back.  But he loved his wife and daughter above all.  He will be missed by so many people.  Love you, Bryan.


To you Bryan fellow Combat warrior a fairwell see you later buddy we all will miss you hand salute god bless you and your family 

Bryan, bigger than life. He was such an inspiration and influence to our sons. He kept them enchanted with his wonderful tales and if one of them was headed in the wrong direction, there was Bryan to straighten them out. 
“ May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields and,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand. “

Goodbye my old friend,

Our separation is not permanent,there will be reunion with Christ.


Bryan was a classmate and friend during our high school years. It was good to re-connect with him more recently. What a brave soldier and talented photographer and author he was. Prayers for his family and his many friends. Bryan was truly one of the good guys.

Smothers Family.

We were so sad and shocked to find out that Bryan had passed away.  He was a true patriot ,funny, kind man and will be greatly missed.   Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  

The Ronald L. Ridgeway Family




OBITUARY

Bryan Dale Smothers

January 3, 1947 – August 19, 2018

Pat H. Foley & Company

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services