Wallace Morgan Smith

Wallace Morgan Smith was called to Heaven on Sunday, November 6, 2022, after taking in a bucket list Astros World Series final game in Houston, Texas, with his beloved wife, daughter, and son-in-law by his side.

Born in Rosenberg, Texas, on April 16, 1958, to Dr. Ralph Morgan and Bess Noble Smith, Wallace spent the majority of his life as a proud Austinite. In his later years, Wallace and his wife found great joy in the Texas Hill Country, becoming active members of the Fredericksburg community. For all that knew Wallace, his sense of humor, quick wit, kindness, and the “twinkle in his eyes” will not be forgotten.

Wallace graduated from Anderson High School and accepted admission to The University of Texas at Austin. During his undergraduate finance “studies,” he was a proud and active member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and the Texas Cowboys (New Man ’78). Wallace routinely spoke of the positive impact his time as a Cowboy and an SAE had on his life. His framed chaps hung in his study, and he often donned a Texas Cowboys belt buckle, even on his last day with us. Wallace sought higher education at Baylor Law School, receiving his JD in 1983. Upon law school graduation, Wallace was set up on a blind date by two close friends. That blind date turned out to be his last. He married Lanette Lehnertz of Tyler, Texas, in 1985.

By all accounts, Wallace was an exceptionally accomplished trial lawyer. While studying at Baylor Law School, he was hand-picked by Matt “Mad Dog” Dawson to serve on the Practice Court team and excelled in national competitions. Not one to flinch in the face of adversity, Wallace was a fierce steward of the law and earned the respect of those he represented as well as those he opposed. In 2000, he co-founded what is now Smith Robertson, LLP as the lead litigation partner. Wallace’s commitment to the truth, and tenacity in difficult circumstances, will be greatly missed.

Outside of his professional career, Wallace wholeheartedly devoted his time to numerous philanthropic causes, including serving on the boards of Sharing God’s Love, a non-profit prison ministry and the American Cancer Society. Wallace felt a special connection and calling to the Helping Hand Home for Children, where he served on the Community Advisory Board for seven years. Wallace also held a number of leadership roles within the community. He served as the Chairman of the Chancellor’s Council for The University of Texas System. Wallace also served as Chairman of Bachelors of Austin, President of Headliners Club, and as a Board Member of Austin Country Club. Wallace was a proud life member of the Texas Exes.

Aside from family, nothing gave Wallace greater joy than hunting and the outdoors, and the companionship they provided. His love of hunting ultimately led him to receive an invitation to join the International Order of St. Hubertus, a group of individuals dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wildlife. Win or lose, Wallace was a loyal and devoted fan of the Texas Longhorns, a fanhood which started when he was a “ball boy” for the 1969 and 1970 National Championship teams under Darrell K. Royal. Wallace was also an avid global traveler, with a keen eye for the culture… and more importantly, the local libations. Italy was one of Wallace’s favorite destinations, as he traveled there with dear friends for his 60th birthday and with his family in years prior.

Wallace is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Lanette Lehnertz Smith of Austin and Fredericksburg, Texas. He and Lanette were especially proud of their three children: son Madison Morgan Smith and wife Ryann of Washington, D.C.; son Noble Lehnertz Smith of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter Martha Lauren Treat and husband Justin, and granddaughter Randa Kelley Treat of Houston, Texas. The birth of his grandchild, two days before his 63rd birthday, brought Wallace immense joy. Wallace is preceded in death by his parents, and survived by his sister, Diane Smith Love and her husband Bill of Austin, Texas.

A memorial service for Wallace will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 1:30 pm at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Austin, Texas. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family kindly requests donations be made to the following organizations that Wallace cared so deeply about.

Helping Hand Home for Children, 3804 Avenue B, Austin, Texas 78751

Texas Cowboys Alumni Association in care of the Texas Exes, 2110 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin, Texas 78712

The Lanette L. and Wallace M. Smith Chancellor’s Excellence Endowment at The University of Texas System, 210 West 7th Street, Austin, Texas 78701