Peyton Noble Smith

Peyton Noble Smith, 59, was called home to Heaven on August 30, 2023. Born on February 19, 1964, in Austin, Texas to Dr. Ralph Morgan and Bess Noble Smith, he was a proud native Austinite, always promoting both the social and business opportunities of the capitol city wherever he went. For all who knew Peyton, his energy, laughter, hugs, and encouragement, will not be forgotten.

Peyton was a graduate of Hyde Park High School and received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Baylor University. During his undergraduate years at Baylor, he was an active member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the Student Foundation, where he served on the Fund Development team, raising money for student scholarships. It was at Baylor University, that Peyton met Beth Nance Smith, who was his best friend and the love of his life. Peyton and Beth met in 1983 and were married in 1990, establishing their home in Austin, where they raised their two children, Lincoln, and Scarlett, until moving to Round Rock in 2016. The foundation of their marriage was built on their faith in Jesus, their deep and abiding friendship, and their love and admiration for one another.

Peyton was the former managing partner of the Austin office of McGuireWoods, LLP, with a focus on employment law and defending employers in employment-related litigation. He also served as the firm's pro bono leader, coordinating and participating in important volunteer and community service work, including assisting military service members through the firm's veterans' pro bono initiatives. On August 29, Peyton and the firm were recognized for the veterans' support efforts as one of the top 27 Austin businesses honored for best practices in business philanthropy in Central Texas at the Austin Chamber of Commerce's Austin Gives Awards.

Peyton practiced law in Austin throughout his entire career. As a native Austinite, his knowledge of the Austin business network was a treasured asset to his clients looking to strategically open an Austin office or expand their footprint in the Greater Austin area. He possessed more than 30 years of experience as a trial attorney, both as defense and plaintiffs' counsel, and brought unique insight and leadership to both pre- litigation counseling and the courtroom. Though he had specific and lengthy experience in representing national retail, restaurant, hospitality, manufacturing and healthcare industry clients, Peyton represented employers in virtually every industry, enabling him to quickly identify and effectively address the unique problems and issues of a wide array of clients.

Throughout his legal career, Peyton also devoted his time to several philanthropic efforts. Most recently, he served a four-year term on the Board of Trustees for the Texas Baptist Children's Home where he chaired the Property Redevelopment Committee. He was current member of the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, the Round Rock Chamber of Commerce, the Baylor Alumni Association, and the Austin Baylor Lawyers' Alumni Network.

Above all, Peyton was most proud of his children and his marriage. He was first and foremost committed to his faith, family, and friends. His foundation was rooted in Jesus Christ, and he was a humble servant to the Lord, always working to minister and make Heaven more crowded. He grew up in a Christian home and came to faith and was baptized at Hyde Park Baptist Church, where he and Beth began their young married life and family. As a couple, they taught Young Adult Married Couples at Hyde Park Baptist Church and then later at Great Hills Baptist Church where Peyton also served as a deacon. In 2016, after moving to Round Rock, they joined First Baptist Church Round Rock. Peyton walked with Christ daily, and his ministry expanded into every circle of his life. He was described by his friends as a man of integrity, honesty, loyalty, and filled with love for all. For everyone that Peyton met, he became their friend, connected them with new friends, and made everyone feel loved and special. Peyton led with love and joy in everything he did.

Peyton joins his parents, Dr. Ralph Morgan Smith and Bess Noble Smith in Heaven, as well as his brother, Wallace Morgan Smith and his great niece, Laci Sloan Love. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Beth Nance Smith and their children Lincoln David Smith and Scarlett Elizabeth Smith, his father-in-law David Nance and wife Patti, and his brother-in-law Chuck Nance, wife Debbie and son, Hogan. He also leaves behind his sister Diane Smith Love and husband Bill and their children, Jeff Love and Lisa and husband, Hayden Gilbert, and their children Meredith and Luke, his sister-in-law Lanette Lehnertz Smith and her children, Martha Lauren and husband, Justin Treat, and daughter, Randa, Noble Lehnertz Smith, and Madison Morgan Smith and wife Ryann.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hyde Park Baptist Church, 3901 Speedway, Austin, TX at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7th.