David Smith Obituary

David Smith, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on July 21, 2025, in Leander, Texas at the age of 89. Born on October 18, 1935, to Arthur C. Smith and Emerald Smith, David lived a full and vibrant life.

In August of 1961, he married Betty Fields Smith, the daughter of John D. Fields and his wife Odessa Lee Wilson of Sonora, Texas. Together they raised three children, Lesa Fletcher, Beth Irwin (Robert B. Irwin), and John Smith (Sherrie Smith). David was a proud grandfather to four grandsons, Winston Barnes (Kathy Richters), Charles W. King, Jr, Robert D. Irwin (Jessie Irwin), Christopher F. Irwin (Michelle Irwin). His legacy of integrity, selfless generosity, commitment to the service of others and his love of history is reflected in every generation, including his great-grandchildren, Jaxon, Ethan, Zander, Robbie, Jameson, Liam, Patrick, Brooklyn, Maddison, Bridgette and Savannah.

He was preceded in death by his father Arthur C. Smith, and his mother, Emerald Johnson Smith, as well as all his siblings, Margaret Smith Sawdee, Russell Smith, Judith Elizabeth Van Landingham, Howell Arthur Smith, Chester Frank Smith, and one great-granddaughter Katelynn Barnes.

He attended Greenville High School, serving as Student Body President and graduating in 1954. He attended East Texas State, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government and History in 1957. Before attending law school, he served his country in the Army as an ES Clerk typist for the Adjutant General's headquarters at Camp Red Cloud in Korea. At the completion of his military service, he entered The University of Texas School of Law receiving his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree in 1962.

He began his law practice in Abilene, Texas as an Assistant City Attorney followed by a period as a Municipal Judge and private practice. He joined the law firm of McDonald and Spann in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1965, became a partner in McDonald, Spann and Smith in 1967 and Managing partner in 1974. In 1993 he became a sole practitioner with offices in Corpus Christi and Rockport, Texas. In 2006 he continued his practice on a limited basis in Sonora, Texas and in 2013 became "of Counsel" to the law firm of Tammy T. Fisher in Sonora.

He served as President of the Corpus Christi Bar Association and as Director of the State Bar of Texas, receiving the 1987 annual Chairman's Award of Merit for his service. He has been recognized as a Fifty-Year Member of the State Bar of Texas.

In Corpus Christi and Rockport, David was involved in numerous civic activities. He was a former Chairman of the Board and board member of the Corpus Christi Blood Center and on the Board of Directors for Doctor's Regional Medical Center.

David served in community and local organizations throughout his life including Jaycees in Abilene, Texas, the Lion's Club in Corpus Christi, serving as club president and deputy district governor and later was a member of The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Mustangs. David was a former president and board member of the Corpus Christi "Bible in the Schools" organization and served as a legal counselor to the Pastoral Counseling Center of Corpus Christi. In Sonora he served on the board as Vice President of the Sonora Economic Development Corporation and as an officer and director of the Sutton County Historical Society and as a member of the City of Sonora Committee administering the distribution of hotel-motel tax revenues.

Before his full retirement and move to Leander, Texas in November of 2023, David worked for the Sonora Economic Development Corporation where he tirelessly pursued a vision and hope for the continued growth and development for the town of Sonora.

David will be remembered as a godly and deeply patriotic man. He was known for his integrity, his quick wit and his masterful storytelling. Plans for a Memorial Service are pending; please check www.beckchapels for details. His ashes will be spread in his beloved Texas Hill Country, at St. Stephens Episcopal Church Cemetery in Wimberley, Texas.

In Lieu of Flowers, David specifically requested that your donations be made to your favorite charity or worthy local organization.