He joins his beloved wife, Betty Ray Burt Smith, in Heaven, at the place that God has prepared for him. He is survived by his son, Gary Paul Smith, of Cypress, Texas; His son, Wade Andrew Smith and wife, Rocio, of Houston, Texas; and his daughter, Lee Ann Smith Farrell, and her husband Albert J. Farrell, of Tomball, Texas. He is also survived by Nine grandchildren, five Great Grandchildren, a Nephew, cousins, and numerous friends.
Born in San Antonio, Texas, on March 3, 1927, he was raised in Galveston, Texas, where he fished in the bay, attended Ball High School, and was a member of the ROTC. He lived with his aunt and uncle during WW II, after his parents, Robert Lee Smith, and Adeline K Smith, moved to Houston. He soon joined his family in Houston, and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as a radio operator in the Pacific Arena. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Houston, and met Betty Ray Burt, the love of his life, and later stated that it was "love at first sight." They were married in 1946, and shared their life for 67 years until she died on July 18, 2013.
He Worked for the Austin Company in 1950, a building and construction contractor; for Brown & Root, Inc., as a civil/structural designer; and for Fluor Ocean Services, as a Technical Manager, designing off shore platforms. He provided gainful employment for many during this period. He told a story of how he helped an employee, who's wife had medical problems, and how he kept him on the payroll during layoffs. He had a big heart!
He moved his family to Tomball in 1962, where he has lived since. He gave his children a unique and rewarding alternative to urban life, allowing them to grow up in the country, which helped shaped their values and build their character. He was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Tomball, after being a Senior Warden at Saint Albans Episcopal Church in Houston. He was a lifetime member of the Tomball Lion's Club, and a lifetime member of the Tomball VFW, where he loved to spend time. He loved music, he loved to dance, and he even met the famous female recording artist, Tanya Tucker on the dance floor! Most importantly, he loved God, and he loved his family. He was kind, gentle, caring, and giving - to his family, and most anyone he met. He had an incredible sense of humor, and he truly met the test of character - he cared about other people.
Allow him to describe himself in his own words:
"A Lover of fast women, beautiful horses, good whiskey, and a fast dollar. Santa Claus to the children, Prince among Good Fellows, Known the world over as defender of the weak, and protector of the poor. LAST OF THE BIG - TIME SPENDERS! Honest Robert Bruce Smith."
"A friend to all." RIP
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