David L. Smith

The "Golden Voice" is silent. Dave Smith, longtime radio and television broadcaster and public relations consultant, went home to be with his God on Monday, September 29, 2008. Born (July 23, 1924) and raised in Amarillo, Texas, Dave was the son of Dora and J.M. Smith. He and his wife to be, Jodie Simmons, attended Amarillo High School together. They never dated in high school, but were close friends. It was not until after the war, when Dave returned from service, that they were re-united at The University of Texas. They were married on September 1, 1947. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII in public relations, both as an enlisted man and an officer. After returning from the war in 1946, Dave promptly enrolled in U.T. and went back to the work he enjoyed most – the broadcast business – which he had begun in high school. He graduated in 1949, magna cum laude, from U.T. with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Dave was a broadcaster for KTBC radio and spent 13 years at KVET. He will well be remembered as a member of the Southwest Conference Football Network for over 30 years. He ended his career as news anchor at KVUE Channel 24, retiring in 1990. Dave's wife, Jodie, always said he loved people and enjoyed helping people. He enjoyed being with Jodie, their only son, David, and their many friends. They spent many happy years together, hunting, fishing and hiking at their ranch in Hays County. He was a longtime member and past President of the Rotary Club of Austin, Governor of the Central Texas Rotary International District and Vice-President of Rotary International. While serving as VP, he and Jodie represented Rotary International in over 8 countries. During the over sixty years Dave resided in Austin, he was active in the civic and political affairs of his city and state. He served on numerous boards, committees and commissions dedicated to the goodwill of his community. He was a member and vice-president of the Austin School Board from 1964-70; was appointed by two Texas governors as member and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Employees Retirement System of Texas; President of the United Press Broadcasters Association of Texas; and President of the Society of Austin Professional Journalists. He was a member of the Austin Area Council of The Boy Scouts; Chief of the Austin Longhouse of YMCA Indian Guides; past Chairman of the Public Relations Advisory Committee of the Baptist General Convention of Texas; and served as Chairman of the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Travis County Juvenile Home. He was active in Austin's Knights of the Symphony, serving as Lord Chancellor and King Brio of the symphony support group. He and Jodie were members of Hyde Park Baptist Church. Dave always felt he owed his community some of his time and effort for the opportunities the community had given him. He is survived by his son, David and his wife, Karen; and step-grandchildren, Catherine and Christopher. The family wishes to thank all at Westminster Health Care Center and Odyssey Health Care for what Dave called "tender, loving care given to him". Dave loved his God, his family, his country and his many friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2008 in the Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow at Austin Memorial Park. It was Dave's wish that any memorial contributions be made to his and Jodie's favorite charity, Cal Farley's, P.O. Box 1890, Amarillo, TX 79174.