David Dennis Smith

David Dennis Smith, age 71, passed away on June 6, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. He leaves behind a wide circle of family and friends, and a legacy defined by a devoted career, an enduring love of nature and music, and a life rooted in deep faith and prayer.

David-known to many as Dave-was born on June 30, 1953, at the Naval Base in Great Lakes, Illinois, to Dennis and Olga "Lucy" Smith. He was raised in LaGrange, Illinois, alongside his older sister Sandy, and younger sister Connie.

A 1971 graduate of Lyons Township High School, David went on to earn a degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University, graduating in 1975. While at ASU, he became an active and proud member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, forging friendships that would span decades. His fraternity brothers became his companions in many of the pursuits he loved most-golfing, sailing, skiing, and exploring hiking trails across the country. These adventures reflected his deep appreciation for the outdoors and his constant pursuit of life's simple joys.

Following college, David embarked on a distinguished career in the oil and gas industry as a Landman and International Negotiator. He held key roles at companies including Amoco, Samedan, and Newfield Exploration. His career took him around the globe-to Egypt, Israel, China, London, Malaysia, and beyond-where he built lasting relationships and navigated complex deals with both skill and grace. David's professionalism was matched by his warmth; colleagues became lifelong friends, and foreign cities became familiar through his frequent travels.

In 2008, David met Julie Usry, and in 2011, they were married, beginning a joyful chapter of companionship and adventure. Together, they shared a love for travel, the outdoors, and the loyal company of their dogs, Rocko and Winston. Whether road-tripping across the U.S. or simply enjoying a quiet afternoon on the porch, David and Julie cultivated a life full of love, laughter, partnership, and purpose over their 16 years together.

David was predeceased by his parents, Dennis and Lucy, and by his beloved son, Dylan Smith, whom he longed to be reunited with in Heaven. He leaves behind his loving wife, Julie Smith of Fort Worth, TX; his daughter, Kailey Knott, and her husband, Christopher, of Gainesville, FL; and his stepdaughter, Alexandra Usry of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his sisters, Connie Beard and her husband Oscar "Buddy" Beard of The Woodlands, Texas, and Sandy Gulledge and her husband Hal Gulledge of Boerne, Texas.

David was a thoughtful man who valued independence, intellect, and time spent in nature. He found joy in the simple routines of life-walking his dogs, listening to music, playing guitar, or catching up with old friends. His memory will live on in the people and places he held dear.

A "Celebration of Life" will take place in honor of David on 7/26 at the Smith Residence in Fort Worth, Texas.