 Smithwick plot   Mitchell Meade Smithwick 24 October 1965 - 9 March 1986  Richard Meade "Dick" Smithwick was born October 1935, son of Clarence Stultz Smithwick and Roma Routh Campbell Smithwick. He grew up in Richardson with his parents and grandparents, John Meade Campbell and Elizabeth Haines Campbell on their farm on Campbell Road. He had an idyllic childhood there. His grandmother adored him and he adored her. He loved playing football in high school and was an All State Center for RHS. He went to Texas A&M College, Class of 1958, on a football scholarship with Paul "Bear" Bryant. He arrived at the Junction incident after playing 2 years; he wanted to marry and Coach Bryant did not want his players to marry. He also wanted to become a veterinarian which would take a great deal of study time. He chose Daisie and his DVM. He received his Veterinary Medicine degree in 1961 and came home to Richardson and built his first clinic and later a second clinic in Howe. He had a fabulous Veterinary Assistant that worked for him for 25 years, Chris Parks, whom he great appreciated. He loved his work and the animals and people he met for the next 50 odd years over multiple area-counties. After building the Howe practice in 1985 on their farm that Dick had farmed since the 1970s in his spare time, he and Daisie moved from Allen, having raised their 4 children there, to Howe in 1995. It has been a wonderful and peaceful place to live. Dick met the Lord when he was 12 years old and followed Him all his life. He was a positive influence on many people, especially clients who often became the closest of friends. If you picture an Oak Tree, it stands out - big and strong with deep roots and a very large canopy of leaves. That describes Dick Smithwick. He hugged everybody, and cared about everybody and let them know it. He was security for his family, friends and clients. He showed Christian caring to his clients and their animals that the Lord gave him a special affinity to treat and his clients entrusted to him. He was born to be a Veterinarian. He had fun growing up with lots of cousins who he and Daisie became especially close to and traveled with each year for 20+ years. Oaks stand head and shoulders above the rest; cherished the world over as a symbol of wisdom, strength, and endurance. As Isaiah 61:3 states, "...they will be called Oaks of righteousness to display God's Glory..." - for living in a way that pleases God by loving God, others and ourselves. Dick led by example of this. He enjoyed singing in the choir, Harold Finney's Sunday School class, kibitzing with Sam Haigis, Leon Thornhill and Freddy Vestal and hundreds more, and a "few" of Brother Roger's sermons and just a "little" of his humor. Dick was a big sports fan, loving Texas Aggie football especially. He was an avid outdoors man, enjoying packing and hunting and fly-fishing trips with good friends many times through the years. As a young father, he also enjoyed Cowboy or Western polo on his big gelding - Big Blue. Things have not been the same since July 17, 2017 when Dick collapsed and had to have open heart surgery. He has always been his same sweet, fun-loving self, but these last few months have been more difficult. His daughters, Lynn and Christy, nearby have been a great loving support and Libby by phone and computer at a distance. The care, support and affection by Reliant Hospice, Dr. Saeed, and especially, Misty, Dusty and Crystal have been most supportive and we are most grateful. Visiting Angels and 7 Sisters sent Angels that were unbelievably helpful and caring - without whom life would have been much harder. Through it all, he remained an Oak, true and loving, sweet and caring, always charming us all through it, giving us Joy! He has always been a blessing. Special friends and Angels loved on us and supported us throughout. We thank White Rock Stables and the Oddson family for their huge support 5 years ago as well as ongoing. The continued love and support from WRS Manager, Amelita. Glynn Williams and John Visage who were daily visitors 5 years ago and still. Glynn for sharing all the old Colorado packing and hunting stories, and countless Blizzards each Sunday with Dick! Susan, Theresa, Cindy, Jean and Alton, Becky, Carin, Wayne Westbrook, and so many more for your love, visits, food and more. Terry and Phillip Wildman for food and especially guitar and song with your visits. Special visits from family and loved one have been a special blessing; Jeannette Phariss, special friend off 66+ years, the Planks, Huffhines, Keagy and Harrison families, and so many more. A special thank you to our son-in-law, Jerry Welch, for providing Dick the joy of staying on the land that he so loved, allowing him to be with his animals and the surroundings he had enjoyed all of his life. Dick was the epitome of love to his family, friends, clients and anyone in need - always ready with a massive hug, firm handshake and tender words for such a Gentle Giant. He was always ready with a quick story as he had a marvelous sense of humor and wit. Dick's children were his pride and joy. They have all been a wonderful help always with so much love shown; Lynn and Christy having dealt closely with his most recent medical needs. His 6 grandchildren have added extra pleasure to his life. Mitch, Jake, Samantha, Cody, Seth and Jorie. His one great-grandchild, Derek, has been a constant source of something new to always learn about. A great pleasure and benefit in our lives with the Bible Study Group started by Bonnie and Bill Smith. The study was always rich, and accompanied with the traditional Baptist monthly dinner and dessert in one of our homes. Dot and Jim Huckaby, Freddy and Judy Vestal, Carolyn Cavender, Jean and Alton Norman were a friendly bunch with great Bible knowledge. The most precious thing he had in his life was his wife, Daisie, who he loved deeply for over 66 years. She was his soul mate and rock. Together they built an amazing life for one another, their kids, and grandkids, with so many truly amazing friends sprinkled in throughout their many trips, adventures, and living life for one another to the very fullest. Our church family has been a constant source of support in prayer for us. We appreciate the care and personal attention by Casey Scoggins. Prayers from so many friends and loved ones have sustained us. We will miss our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, cousin and friend who seemed to walk on water, but so very thankful to know he is with the One true One that walked on water, Jesus Christ. A mighty Oak has fallen but will not soon be forgotten. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved son, Mitchell Meade Smithwick. He is survived by his wife, Daisie; daughters, Libby, Lynn and Christy; their spouses, Jo, Jerry and Scott; grandchildren, Mitch and son, Derek; Jake Samantha; Cody; Seth; and Jorie; many loving cousins, friends and clients that were like family. Memorial services were held on February 11, 2023 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Howe. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to the Hall Cemetery Association, FBC Howe, or a charity or ministry close to your heart.  Hall Cemetery Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson CountyTXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message. |