Hoyt Ellingwood Smith

Hoyt Ellingwood Smith, aged 43, passed away peacefully on November 14th in New Orleans. He was born on June 23rd, 1982, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Barbara Mequet Ochsner Smith and Robert Fulton Smith, Jr and was a loving brother, son, and friend. He graduated from Metairie Park Country Day School, was an undergrad at University of Alabama, DKE Fraternity, and graduated with a degree in business at College of Charleston. He later received his Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans. He spent his working years in the oil and gas industry as a petroleum landman. He was Founder, President & Director of Gonzales, Texas based Nobel Petroleum USA, Inc., procuring over 400 leases and overseeing the drilling of and oilfield operations and marketing of the produced oil and gas. In 2019 Mr. Smith orchestrated the merger of Nobel into London Stock Exchange member PennPetro Energy PLC. His present employment was Managing Member and Director of Land at Isabel Petroleum LLC in New Orleans.

Hoyt was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a past member of Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans Country Club, and among the social clubs his favorite was his membership in Pirate’s School.

Hoyt is survived by his parents; his fiancé, Kimberleigh Denapolis; his child, Hoyt Ellingwood Smith, Jr.; his siblings, Mequet Smith Werlin, her husband David, children Isabel and Fulton; Alton Ochsner Smith, his wife Kelly and sons Akky and Briggs, along with numerous Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.

Hoyt will be remembered for his sense of humor, thoughtfulness, and kindness to others. He left such a lasting effect on people, and everyone who met him loved him. His passion for painting and his creativity provided so many of us with his artistic gifts that he gave out often. Hoyt’s strong Christian faith was very important to him. His greatest achievement was his son who he constantly bragged about and shared photos. He always wanted to be a father and found a great love in Kimberleigh and baby Hoyt. He touched so many lives with his vivacious spirit. He will be missed by all.

A memorial gathering will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans on Saturday, December 6th from 10:30 am until 11 am. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow in the Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to New Orleans Mission, which can be done via neworleansmission.org.