PHONE: (972) 562-2601 Donald R. Smith November 12, 1939 - April 24, 2018 Texas lost a Family Law pioneer and legend on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. Attorney Don Smith blazed a trail of excellence that modeled legal practice for all subsequent family lawyers. Smith was listed in the 1989 Guinness book of World Records for his representation of Anne Bass in her 1988 divorce from Sid Bass. His bust is displayed as an inductee to the Texas State Bar Family Law Hall of Legends for accomplishments such as authoring the original edition of the Texas Family Law Practice Manual and the original chapter on property characterization in Kazen on Family Law. Smith was in the first group of board certified family law attorneys by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. The December 1988 edition of D Magazine featured Smith, coining him The Country Preacher who persuaded juries with his fiery oratorical style and his righteous indignation. His rapid-fire questions give witnesses little time to think. Suddenly they re caught up in a morality play starring Don Smith in the role of Billy Graham. Donald R. Smith was born on his family homestead of Tanner League in Mesquite, Texas on November 12, 1939 to James Howard Smith and Rose Faye Murphree Smith. He received a Bachelor of Arts with honors from Southern Methodist University and was first chair trumpet in the orchestra and the SMU Marching Band otherwise known as 99 Guys and a Gal. He received his Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law with honors. Smith was listed in the Best Lawyers of America, was a Fellow in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and a Life Fellow of the Texas Bar Association. Not only did Smith represent Anne Bass in one of the largest divorces in the history of Texas, he also represented Louisa Brown Sarofim in her divorce with Fayez Sarofim as another of his history making cases. Smith was the director of the State Bar of Texas Advanced Family Law Course in 1982, and was a frequent and highly sought speaker that packed crowds wherever he spoke. He received the Award for Outstanding Achievement in Continuing Legal Education from the College of the State Bar of Texas for his many innovative and groundbreaking works arising out of his love of teaching other lawyers and paralegals.
Don married his High School sweetheart Nancy Nichols and they had 3 sons, J. Allen Smith, D. Robert Smith and Patrick N. Smith, who all became successful attorneys. Later, he married Carle Harden Steffen, his legal assistant who contributed to his success and preceded him in death. He also adopted a daughter, Tanya Sue Smith. He is survived by his son, Allen and daughter-in-law, Jane Cornish Smith and their children, Morgan Allen Smith (also an attorney) and Christine Cornish Smith; his son, Robert and his children, Amy Hale and husband, David (and grandsons, Robert David Bobby Hale and Michael Nichols Hale), Earl Andrew Nichols Smith, Lillian Elizabeth Smith, Daniel Ryland Smith and Margaret Kathleen Smith; and his son, Patrick and daughter-in-law, Nancy Miles Smith and their children, Allison Margaret Smith and Ryan Patrick Nichols Smith; and his daughter, Tanya Sue Smith. Don s parents and brother, James H. Smith also preceded him in death. He is also survived by his nephew, James R. Smith and wife Rhonda. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Friday, April 27, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson- Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at high noon at the funeral home. Memorials Allen and Smith Family, I just wanted to extend my family s condolences and send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I was greatly saddened to hear about your father. While no words could ease your loss, I want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gene Leehan and Family GENE LEEHAN, MAY 1, 2018 Robert, My condolences to you and your family. I know your father will be greatly missed. Prayers of comfort and peace to all. Sincerely, DDD DIANNA D. DAVIS, MAY 1, 2018 I know my words can't take away your sense of loss, but I am hoping you can find some comfort in knowing the memories you shared are forever. My good friends, if nothing else remember this, where there is sadness, love plants a garden of memories. I want to thank the Smith family for being part of my family and I am wishing you guys moments of peace, tender reflection and I'm sending y'all heartfelt sympathy. Love you guys. REGINALD LOFTIN AND FAMILY, APRIL 28, 2018 It is so hard to hear we have lost Don. I have so many wonderful memories of him and Carle, of time spent fishing, laughing and of Donald Cakes. My husband Calvin and I cherished them both and their friendship. My heart hurts and I will miss him terribly but I know he, Carle and Calvin are having a
reunion and I only wish I could hear their laughter! My prayers are with you all. Sweet Anna, wife of Capt. Cal ANNA GIPSON, APRIL 27, 2018 Mr. Smith, it was a pleasure to know you and Carle. I am very thankful that you all trusted me to take care of your irrigation and landscape lighting needs for the past seventeen years. I always enjoyed the conversations walking around the yard with Carle before she passed, because the yard was Carle's! After her passing, you made sure to let me know to keep all of Carle's statues highlighted with lighting in remembrance of her. I am sad for your passing, but happy that you will be with Carle again, and at peace. God bless you and your family. MICHAEL SJOGREN, APRIL 27, 2018 Allen, we would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. Sincerely, The Terry Family THE TERRY FAMILY, APRIL 27, 2018 It is a shame that this generation of young attorneys have not and will not have the opportunity to learn from Donald R. He was quite the teacher. I will forever remember his sense of humor and love for the law and good bourbon. At least he is happy again having joined Carle. I feel sure he is still complaining that she was not supposed to leave this earth first. They were quite a remarkable team!!! LINDA THOMAS, APRIL 27, 2018 My sincere condolences to the Smith family on this loss of "Mr. Smith". I have such fun and fond memories of going to the law office on Sunday afternoons, traveling to South Padre, Houston, Aspen, Amarillo and more with Tanya, Carle and Mr. Smith. Praying for you all and know that he is singing some great Gospel tunes in heaven right now. Much Love, Katrina Hallman KATRINA HALLMAN, APRIL 27, 2018 Sincerest condolences to Allen, Jane, Christine, and Allen from the Pittets. What an accomplished and inspiring legacy he has left for his family and for the practice of law!
HARMONY GLAZEBROOK-PITTET, APRIL 27, 2018 I still can't believe you have left us. I always looked forward to seeing and visiting with you each month. I will always remember your stories, but most of all your infectious laugh. You and your family are in our prayers. CHARLIE INGLE, APRIL 26, 2018 Our family will keep your family in our prayers. If there is any comfort at this difficult time it is in the knowledge that our loved ones are now with the Creator of the universe. And they are as close to us as He is. There is nowhere we can go that He is not beside us constantly. MARVIN R. (YOGI) MCKELVEY, APRIL 26, 2018 I was so blessed to know and work with this great man. My world is forever changed from the years I spent working with him. He will always be in my heart. DEBBIE AND BRANDON REININGER, APRIL 26, 2018 Don was a great person and lawyer. I had the pleasure of being on his side in a number of cases. The Burger King case - the Sid & Ann Bass Divorce - in Tarrant County. Sitting in a hotel room strategizing for the next day in Court. He was all business, no BS'ing when in trial mode. Drinking Tang and Bourbon, Carle' always taking notes and adding her "2 cents worth". How he gave the opponents fits, always working to get the upper hand and keep them off guard. But ALWAYS following the rules, and using them to his clients advantage. An incredible memory for details. Cross examination by Smith was something to see and hear. My sympathies for your loss of one of the best in our business. JIM LOVELESS, APRIL 26, 2018 I am at a loss for words to adequately capture my respect, admiration, and affection for Don. He was a giant in our profession, and a shining example of a life lived to the fullest, and on his own terms. He was also a trusted personal friend to many. Our "Family Law Family" has truly lost a Legend, and will never quite be the same. Melody and I send our prayers for peace and comfort to his family, and personal hugs to Allen, who has a special place in our
hearts. DON ROYALL, APRIL 26, 2018 Allen and Robert, Sorry to you and your family for your loss. Your Dad was, as you know, a giant in our field. I was once asked by a local fellow family lawyer if we were becoming the best family lawyers in the area. I replied that no, the best were dying and retiring. Your Dad was one of the best. L &R. CHARLES HARDY, APRIL 26, 2018 I met Don in 1976 at Advanced Family Law. I tried to never miss a speech nor fail to read his presentations. Besides being an amazing, talented and entertaining speaker, his papers were and remain the definitive works on characterization. No-one who ever heard him speak will ever forget him raising both hands and in a Preacher-like way Booming out " ZOT, and like a lightening bolt from above you have the inception of title and that is when it is Decreed!" A great man and a great lawyer with time to talk to everyone. J. LINDSEY SHORT, JR., APRIL 26, 2018 You ll always be in my heart. Thank you for all. My viejito. ALICIA HERNANDEZ, APRIL 25, 2018 Family Owned Since 1945 Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow is the premier provider of funeral services in North Texas, with seven convenient locations and three beautiful memorial parks. We are a locally owned family business that has served North Texas for over 70 years. Families who visit us receive the highest quality of professionalism and service, with compassion and care that are unsurpassed. Copyright 2015 (972) 562-2601