Fred Smith Jr.

Dr. Fred Smith, Jr., was born in Port Arthur, Texas, on December 21, 1936, and peacefully passed into the loving arms of Jesus on December 3, 2025. Fred was especially proud of his service in the United States Army and loved encouraging and spending time with other veterans. Fred loved God, America, his family, and his dogs. He also loved extreme exercise. He ran many marathons and did the MS150 Houston to Austin bike race numerous times. Even well into his sixties, he was still riding his bike up to forty miles at a time. When he could no longer run or ride, he would walk five miles wearing arm and ankle weights and follow that up with even more weights at the gym. Doctors said he had the heart of a 50-year-old even at 88.
Fred received his Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University, his Master of Counseling from Sam Houston State University, and his Doctor of Education from Texas A&M University. He was a passionate educator, serving thousands of students for over fifty years as a teacher and school counselor. He began his teaching career at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, teaching prisoners. He later taught for many years in public school before becoming a counselor at Cy-Fair High School, retiring after over twenty years there. After retiring, he taught Algebra, Geometry, Chemistry and Physics at a private Christian school for another twelve years.
Fred's loyal companion for more than ten years, his dog, Dusty, peacefully passed just a few hours after Fred. Dusty simply refused to let go first, supporting his best friend until the very end.
Fred was preceded in death by his father and mother, Fred and Nola Smith, and his brother, Larry Smith. He is survived by his three daughters, Susan Carter and husband Foster, Lory Haas and husband Steve, and Natalie Barletta and husband Chris. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church, Buna, Texas. A small, family service will be held on his birthday, December 21, 2025.