Richard Earnest Smith
June 16, 1938 – August 20, 2025

Richard Earnest Smith, 87, of Bedford, Texas, passed away on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Brookdale Oak Hollow.

He was born June 16, 1938, in Springer, New Mexico, to Harry Edwin and Kathryn Gladman Smith. At the age of seven, during a revival service in Springer, Richard accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior, beginning a lifelong walk with the Lord.

Richard graduated from Springer High School in 1956 and Baylor University in 1960. He also attended New Orleans Baptist Seminary, Southeastern Louisiana University, and Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts, Master of Education, and Superintendent's Certificate. His career in education spanned nearly four decades, including roles as a history teacher, high school principal, and superintendent. His most cherished position was as an elementary school principal, a role he held until retiring in 2000. After retirement, he worked with Region 4 in Houston in the Alternative Education Teacher Certification Program.

On January 30, 1959, Richard married Trevanion Mixon in Shreveport, Louisiana. They recently celebrated 66 years of marriage. Together, they faithfully served in churches wherever they lived. First Baptist Church of Santa Rosa, Texas, ordained Richard as a deacon. He later actively served as a deacon and committee member at First Baptist Church in Rosenberg, Texas, for 17 years. In recent years, he was a member of Cross City Church in Euless, Texas.

Richard's service extended beyond the classroom. He organized and led an English seminar in Urumqi, China. Later, he and Trevanion participated in international Campus Crusade for Christ mission trips, teaching English and sharing their faith. During the final year of his life, he read the entire Bible and had begun rereading it.

A talented craftsman, Richard built everything from bookcases and tables to toy boxes and even a barn for his horses. His love of history extended to genealogy, where he traced ancestors who served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and even on the Mayflower. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the General Society of the War of 1812, and the Mayflower Society. He also volunteered at the Fort Bend Museum in Richmond, Texas.

He is survived by his wife, Trevanion Mixon Smith; his son Stephen Smith and wife Kimberly; his daughter Suzanne Jones; four grandchildren: Kayleigh and Dillan Henegar, Tyler and Haley Smith, Jonathan Jones, and Wesley Jones; a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter, Kinsleigh Henegar; his brother-in-law Ronald Hillier; his niece Rhonda and Fred Carriker; his nephew Craig and LeAnn Hillier; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.

His parents and sisters, Nancy Reames and Mattie Ruth Hillier, preceded him in death.

A Graveside Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, August 29, 2025, in the family section of Salado Cemetery in Salado, Texas, with the Rev. Robert Hillier, great-nephew, officiating. Burial is under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, Rosenberg, Texas.

Condolence messages may be written for the Smith family at www.garmanycarden.com

Services are under the direction of Garmany & Carden Funeral Directors, 1201 4th Street, Rosenberg, Texas 77471 (281)342-4671.