David Patterson Smith

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 2, 1944, David enjoyed his early years with brothers Ron and Rick and sister Karen, as well as with cousins Tom and Parrie Pinyan. His devotion to family was at his core, and he loved and was loved by relatives near and far. He graduated from Amarillo High School in 1962, where he met the great love of his life, Nita Miller. Together they created a beautiful, inspiring life that led to three children, ten grandchildren, an amazing extended family and life-long friends.

David’s deep-rooted relationship with The University of Texas began with his acceptance into the UT Plan II Honors Program and later, UT Law School, where he was a member of the Law Review and elected Vice President of his law school class. He was a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta while at UT, establishing friendships with Texas Fijis far and wide. His service to UT continued throughout his life, serving as the Chairman of the Liberal Arts Advisory Council and as a faithful follower of Texas Athletics. Upon graduation from law school, he began his distinguished law career first in California and then in Texas. He was a man of honor and integrity whose clients across the nation respected and trusted because of his fidelity, keen attention to detail and unwavering moral compass. He considered it a profound honor to mentor others: from young attorneys to anyone in need of advice, guidance or prayers.

Of all his accomplishments as a respected, esteemed attorney and mentor, his greatest pride and joy were his grandchildren, to whom he and Nita devoted their later years, and they took great delight in attending every game, event, or activity they could. David was a loving coach, teaching his children and grandchildren everything he could about raising cattle on a ranch, fishing on the lake or in the bay and, most importantly, about faith. If you drove down Beverly Drive over the years, chances are you would find him throwing a ball with one of his grandchildren in the front yard, spending time with Nita or writing one of his daily “God’s Word” reflections on Scripture.

To know “Grand” was to know a man of deep, profound faith - Grand prayed for everyone he ever met, as well as for those he never would. He had a servant’s heart, giving all that he could to those in need. Few are able to touch so many lives in such a special, profound way; with his stories, faith, humor, intellect, and heart, Grand blessed the lives of all. Through HPUMC bible classes, BSF, daily prayer, scripture and his passion for writing about God’s Word, his mission in life was to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to encourage others in their faith. Grand’s Dedication from one of his writings might sum up his life the best: “To the glory of God in Christ Jesus and to my family.”

David “Grand” Smith is survived by his wife of almost sixty years, Nita Smith; his son David Patterson Smith, Jr.; his daughter and her husband, Tolly and Marc Salz; and his son and his wife, Patrick “Wheels” and Melissa Smith. David and Nita had ten grandchildren, whom they prayed for daily in the order of their birth: Michael Patterson, Jr., Marshall Salz, Mary Carolyn Smith, Patterson Smith, Patrick Salz, Hodges Smith, Harrison Smith, Ali Mae Smith, Cal Smith and Liam Smith. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews - an extended family he treasured greatly.

Services will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, 10:00 am, at Highland Park United Methodist Church with a reception to follow. Streaming of the service will be offered on www.hpumc.org. In honor of Grand, we encourage all attending to wear something burnt orange.

Donations may be made to an organization of your choice, HPUMC or The University of Texas at Austin College of Liberal Arts. See links below.