Born on January 17, 1945, in Edinburg, Texas, Dewey was the son of a rancher and a nurse. From a young age, he worked cattle and developed a deep connection to ranch life—roots that remained with him throughout his life. As a teenager, he was active in 4-H and earned numerous awards for raising and showing livestock. He later moved to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Emma Jackson (“Mejji”). They married on August 19, 1967, and built a life together grounded in love, family, and purpose.
Dewey and Mejji settled in Edinburg with their two daughters before relocating to San Antonio in 1983, where Dewey continued to make a meaningful impact. He began his professional life in ranching and later co-owned and operated a small business with his brother-in-law, Bill, until their retirement.
Dewey cherished life’s simple joys—reading, horseback riding, fishing, and cooking for family and friends. A man of quiet but steadfast faith, he was an active member of the Episcopal Church and served for many years as a lay minister.
A devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Dewey believed deeply in second chances, the strength of community, and living with integrity. He helped establish several AA groups and was always ready to lend an ear or extend a helping hand. He lived by the Golden Rule and often said, “If you’re not early, you’re late.” On April 3, 2025, Dewey celebrated 50 years of sobriety—an extraordinary milestone and a testament to his humility, resilience, and dedication to others.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jackson Smith; daughters Nancy N. Smith and Mary Meighan Smith Tomic; his sister Sharon Joy Smith Lewis Ceniza (“Sherry”); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dewey Nelson Smith, Sr.; his mother, Neva Iona Hatten Smith; and his sisters, Nancy Sue Smith Flanagan Waters and Della Joan Smith Longorio Clayborn.
A memorial service will be held on April 25th at 2:00 PM at Porter Loring North Funeral Home, 2102 N. Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dewey’s honor to Haven for Hope. Contributions can be made here:
Haven for Hope - Donation Page: https://www.havenforhope.org/ways-to-help/donate/
To learn more about Haven for Hope and their mission, please visit: https://www.havenforhope.org
