Hugh S. Smith Jr.

November 30, 1930 - October 23, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hugh S. Smith, Jr., dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Hugh passed away peacefully at home early in the morning of Thursday, October 23, 2025, just shy of his 95th birthday. He was born on November 30, 1930 in High Point, North Carolina to Hugh S. Smith, Sr., a Methodist pastor, and Ethel Harris Smith. Having grown up in a small town Hugh yearned to experience the wider world, setting off for college at Bowling Green University where he majored in business administration, joined Phi Kappa Psi, and was in the ROTC. After graduating with his BS degree in 1953, Hugh served honorably in the Air Force, attaining the rank of Captain in 1960.
Following his service, Hugh forged a remarkable career in banking. His work as Head Bank Examiner for the FDIC over the next decade took him across the country and connected him with future business partners, ultimately leading him to settle in California. In 1969 he joined Imperial Bank as Executive Vice President, and in 1973 he founded Western Bank in Los Angeles, a commercial bank with four branches in southern California, serving as its Chairman and CEO until it was sold in 1996. Significantly, the bank focused on supporting small and medium sized businesses, a sector often overlooked by larger institutions but, as Hugh understood, vital to enable communities to thrive.
In 1980 Hugh met his beloved Barbara, a widow with two daughters. Hugh and Barbara were a wonderful match from the start. Their personalities beautifully complemented each other and they shared a bountiful spirit of positivity, joy, and adventure. When Hugh and Barbara married in 1986, Barbara's daughters Michelle and Lisa were thrilled to gain another sister, Hugh's daughter Bernadette. Between 1989 and 1997 Hugh and Barbara welcomed six adored grandchildren: Angela, Scott, Camille, Cristina, Kyle, and Kevin. Hugh delighted in each new addition, and he absolutely adored being their Papa!
While the family was growing, Hugh continued his leadership in the banking industry. In 1996, he became chairman of Western Bancorp, a consortium of banks into which Western Bank was folded after it was sold, remaining on its board for many years. From 1996 onward, Hugh also served on a number of boards of national and state banking entities and the California Community Reinvestment Corporation, and was a member of the Board of Trustees for the UCLA Center on Aging.
Hugh and Barbara's 45 years together were truly a beautiful love story, abundant in joy, unwavering devotion, and countless adventures, shared both with family and a vibrant circle of dear and wonderful friends. Hugh delighted in travels to countries on nearly every continent, ski trips and playing golf, cheering on the Lakers and Dodgers, going to the symphony and annual theater weeks in Ashland. He was also a keen and creative photographer, and loved to document his travels. He cherished family time - Sunday dinners, attending every school function, sporting event, and concert, and just being together, talking, laughing, and enjoying home cooked meals. The grandchildren adored being with their wonderful Papa, and holidays at Papa and Grandma's house were truly magical, always. Hugh greatly valued education and generously started college funds for each grandchild to ensure they could follow their dreams and go on to make their own contributions to help others.
In honoring Hugh we celebrate a life lived to its fullest. His smile lit up a room. He never ceased to have a sense of wonder and curiosity, and he always saw the good in people. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to laugh. Hugh will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and deep devotion to family and friends. He lived with purpose, kindness, and a genuine love of life that touched everyone who knew him.
Predeceased by sisters Frances and Olivia and stepson Duke, Hugh is survived by his beloved wife Barbara, cherished daughters Bernadette, Michelle, and Lisa, treasured grandchildren Angela and Camille (Anthony) Liberatore, Cristina, Kyle (Camille) and Kevin (Alexis) Headrick, and Scott Brake, and countless dear friends.
Services will be on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. at St. Augustine By-The-Sea Church, 1227 4th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the UCLA Chancellor's Greatest Need Fund (https://giveto.ucla.edu/fund/chancellors-greatest-needs-fund/) or the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.