Barney Elton Smith Jr.'s Obituary
In Loving Memory of Barney Elton Smith Jr. July 26, 1933 – October 3, 2025
Barney Elton Smith Jr., 92, of Pearland, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home at Brookdale Assisted Living on Friday, October 3, 2025. Born on July 26, 1933, in Wiergate, Texas, he was the son of Barney E. Smith Sr. and Sylvia Leaverna Smith.
Barney graduated from Beaumont High School and went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Lamar University in Beaumont. It was during his early career at a local bank that he met the love of his life, Ruth Dean. Ruth walked in to make a deposit for the shoe store where she worked, and Barney didn’t let the opportunity pass him by. He invited her out for coffee, and from that day on, their love story began. They were married on October 15, 1954, and celebrated 65 years of marriage in October 2019. Sadly, Ruth passed away just a month later in November 2019 — a loss Barney felt deeply until his final days.
Barney and Ruth were blessed with three children: Brenda, Barney III, and Sheri. Family was the center of Barney’s world. He had an infectious smile that lit up any room, and he found great joy in spending time with family and friends.
Professionally, Barney served as Safety Manager for BF Goodrich in Beaumont, and later as Manager of Safety and Security at GAF (now International Specialty Products) in Texas City, prompting the family's move to League City in 1973.
Barney’s sense of service and adventure began early in life, earning his Eagle Scout award in 1948. He passed that spirit on through family camping trips, hunting excursions in Fredericksburg, and countless adventures in the family motorhome. For 45 years, he cherished time spent on the same deer lease with his son, son-in-law, and grandsons.
In retirement, Barney and Ruth moved to Pearland in 2001, where they remained active in the community. He was a member of the Pearland Lions Club, Cruisin’ Cajuns Motor Club, and participated in the Pearland Police Citizens Academy. He also enjoyed time as a substitute teacher at Rustic Elementary School, where his daughter taught.
Barney never missed a chance to support his grandchildren — whether at dance recitals, sports games, or school events, he and Ruth could always be found cheering proudly from the stands.
Faith was a guiding force in Barney's life. He and Ruth were longtime members of Sagemont Church, where they enjoyed the fellowship of their Bible study group.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents, Barney E. Smith Sr. and Sylvia Smith, his brother James Alton Smith, and his beloved wife Ruth Dean Smith.
He is survived by his three children: Brenda Weber (Randy), Barney E. Smith III (Valerie), Sheri Dodd (Billy); His five grandchildren: Kristin Rowe (Derrick), Keith Weber (Emily), Kyle Weber (Jessica),
Lauren White (Jeff), David Smith (Adrienne);
Ten great-grandchildren: Madison Nicole, Maci Laine, Mitchell Keith, Weston Keith, Sloan Alise, Kate Liberty, Kennedy Rae, Preston Keith, Wesley Elton and Jackson Wayne; And two great-great-grandchildren, Quinn Nicole and Laine Elise.
The Smith family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all of Barney’s friends and loved ones who shared in his life and offered support throughout the years.
Dad, we will miss you immensely. You were always our “go-to” when life got rough and our comfort when we needed clarity. Your legacy lives on in each of us — in the values you taught us, the strength you gave us, and the love you so freely gave.
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