Marvin (Bud) Gilbert Smith

Marvin (Bud) Gilbert Smith, 81, passed away on Thursday, February 8, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin Gilbert Smith, Sr., and Carmen Belle Hamilton. A native of Springfield, Missouri, Bud was born on October 31, 1942. He loved having a Halloween birthday because everyone was having a party on his day!
He spent his early years in Springfield, and, after he graduated from Parkview High School in 1960, he went on to earn a BA degree from Drury University. It was there he met the love of his life Marilyn Renne. In 1965, he received his Masters in Business Administration and Accounting, with honors, from The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity (Theta Sigma Chapter), Pi Gamma Mu, and Beta Gamma Sigma honor societies.
Bud and Marilyn married in 1965, and he began his career which took them around the country. He started in Chicago with Western Electric, (AT&T). He also worked for Container Corporation of America (CCA) in Chicago, St. Louis, and Ft. Worth, where he served as regional controller of CCA.
In 1985, he was offered the opportunity to help with the transformation of downtown Ft. Worth when he took a position with the Bass owned City Center Development Co., where he served as President until 2006. During his time with CCD, downtown Ft. Worth experienced tremendous growth of commercial development of City Center Towers, Sundance Square, and the addition of Bass Hall. He topped off his long business career serving as President of Huff Partners Inc. in Ft. Worth.
Bud had a steadfast work ethic and was well-respected by his peers and those with whom he came into contact. He served in many leadership roles: Board President of The Arlington Boys and Girls Club, Board Member of the Ft. Worth Chamber of Commerce (Economic Development), the beginning group for the Ft. Worth Main Street Arts Festival, Board Member of Downtown Ft. Worth, Inc., and President of the Ft. Worth Better Business Bureau. He was also a member of the BOMA International (Building Owners and Managers Association) in which he served as both Ft. Worth and Texas State Presidents.
He was active in sports as a player and enthusiast. In addition to playing basketball and golf, he played a mean game of Ping Pong. He was a forty-year member of Ridglea Country Club and a devoted fan of TCU. He loved TCU football and was a season ticket holder and member of the Frog Club for over 30 years. He cheered on the Horned Frogs through, “the good, the bad, and the ugly seasons”! In 2023, Bud was honored by the Colonial Golf Tournament (Charles Schwab Classic) for his fifty years of volunteer service. It was a labor of love for him, and he made so many cherished friends throughout those years.
Bud was happiest when he was with his family and was known as Papa to his four grandchildren. It was his huge hugs and great sense of humor that made him so endearing. Much of his leisure time was spent boating and fishing at his Possum Kingdom lakehouse, indulging his love of music and playing his guitar. He loved animals and had many cats and dogs throughout his life; he was a true “animal whisperer”. He had a special bond with his animals, especially his beloved yellow Labrador Retrievers, Mason and Jack.
Bud will be remembered as a gentle giant and a patient, soft-spoken, kind man. He was always willing to help mentor people and was a man of his word. His generosity and his hugs will be missed by everyone who knew him.
He leaves behind a grieving family who will forever hold dear their wonderful memories of him. He is survived by his best friend and adoring wife of fifty-nine years, Marilyn, and two children: a daughter, Jennifer Brock of Southlake, TX, and a son, David Grant Smith (Katherine Esch Smith) of Edwards, CO. Four grandchildren: Madeleine Renne Brock (17), Claire Eastin Brock (12), Cormac Fenton Smith (9), and Ford John Patrick Smith (4). Two sisters, Nancy Wagner of Champagne, ILL, and Julie Caffey of Springfield, MO. Nephews: Brad Bernero, Doug Bernero, Jeff Pyatt, and niece, Amy Chesser. Plus 8 great-nieces and nephews.
Bud was a fifty-year member of First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, TX, 1200 S. Collins, Arlington, where he served as an Elder and Trustee. He was a devoted Christian with a strong moral compass. The family is grateful to the Lord for the work of Christ throughout Bud’s life and answered prayers and compassion in his passing. His life is our guide, and in this time, we remember his remarkable life and the impact he had upon those around him.
A memorial celebration of life will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Arlington on April 4, 2024, at 2:00 pm. A private family burial was held on February 14, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, Kansas.
Should friends desire, memorials in lieu of flowers may be given to: Presbyterian Children’s Home and Services (PCHAS), P.O. Box 140888, Austin, TX 78714-9981, to First Presbyterian Church of Arlington, 1200 S. Collins, Arlington, TX 76010 or a charity of their choice.