Bruce R. Smith

1952 - 2015

DALLAS, TX - Bruce Raymond Smith, 62, died January 21, 2015, at his home in Dallas, TX, with wife, Melanie, and son, Andrew, by his side. Bruce was born October 28, 1952, in Providence, RI, and graduated from Cumberland High School in 1970. He earned his B.S. in journalism from Boston University where he was a reporter and editor-in-chief for the independent student paper The Daily Free Press. After graduation he worked as the evening reporter and copy editor for The Woonsocket Call.
After moving to Dallas, Bruce taught English, Journalism, and Government for 27 years. He taught at Justin F. Kimball and Thomas Jefferson high schools in Dallas and at Larry Guinn Special Programs Center in Plano. He also coached golf and football and held leadership roles.
Bruce was an excellent cook and conversationalist who enjoyed discussing books and politics. He loved playing golf with his son, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and going to museums and the theater.
Bruce is survived by his wife of 39 years and high school sweetheart, Melanie, and son, Andrew, of Dallas; mother Sylvia Smith of Lincoln, RI; brother Brian Smith and wife Michele of Cumberland, RI; mother-in-law Constance Leasca of Cumberland, RI; sister-in-law Maria Leasca and husband Scott Thompson of Baltimore; brothers-in-law Thomas Leasca and wife Joslin of South Kingstown, RI, and Arthur Leasca of Cumberland, RI; and his nieces, nephew, and cousins around the country.
He is predeceased by his father, Raymond Smith, and father-in-law, James Leasca.
A celebration of Bruce's life will be held at his Dallas home Sunday, February 22, 2015, at 3 p.m. Memorial donations can be made to The Daily Free Press http://dailyfreepress.com. For full obituary: www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com.