David Hill Smith, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, faithful friend and humble servant of the Lord passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2025.
Born on September 7,1937, in Huntsville, Texas to John Pritchett Smith and Ann Paulus Smith, David lived a life marked by integrity, compassion and faith. His 30 plus year career in banking with Texas Commerce Bank was distinguished and influential. David served as the founding President of TCB-Tanglewood, Chairman of the Board for TCB Del-Oro, and President of TCB-Airline, among other key leadership positions. His professionalism and expertise left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.
David was deeply committed to serving his community. He served on the board of The Boy Scouts Council, Vice-President of the Houston Downtown Association and as a fundraiser and board member of CanCare. His greatest devotion was to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. David was a dedicated student of Bible Study Fellowship and a committed member of First and Second Baptist Churches. There he was captain of the 24-hour prayer team, volunteered with hospital visitation and ministered to those in need at the First Baptist Mission, offering food, clothing and spiritual guidance.
David was an avid marathon runner competing in races across Houston, San Antonio and Galveston over the years. Memorial Park in Houston was his training ground and a place where his circle of friendships constantly expanded. Anyone who frequented the park was quickly welcomed into David’s world - he never missed the opportunity to get to know someone new. He was especially intentional about connecting with the friends of his daughters and grandchildren, always making time to listen, encourage and offer his wisdom.
David was proud of his heritage as the great, great-grandson of General Sam Houston and honored that legacy by participating in many family tributes and historical celebrations.
David was married for over 67 years to the love of his life Roberta Rudat Smith, with whom he shared a deep and abiding bond. He is survived by his wife Roberta, daughters Brenda Smith Tomek (husband Jeffrey Charles Tomek), Rosanne Smith Oelfke (husband David Karl Oelfke), grandchildren Tyler Houston Tomek (wife Iliana), Barrett Christian Tomek (fiancé’ Megan Schwartzkopf), David Hill Oelfke (wife Caroline), Kendall Houston Oelfke Fisher (husband Derek), and Samual William Oelfke. Great grandchildren include David Hill Oelfke Jr., Johnny Houston Tomek, Houston James Fisher and Eleanor Frances Oelfke.
David lived by his principles - his yes meant yes and his no meant no. Faith, family and friends were his unwavering priorities. He loved the Lord his God with all his heart and all his mind and that love radiated into every aspect of his life. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to David’s caregivers – Frankie Copeland, Lakita Copeland, Beverly Penson, Annie Williams, and The Care Team Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Care Team Hospice (8582 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024) or MD Anderson Cancer Center. A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.
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David Hill Smith, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, faithful friend and humble servant of the Lord passed away peacefully at home on June 3, 2025.
Born on September 7,1937, in Huntsville, Texas to John Pritchett Smith and Ann Paulus Smith, David lived a life marked by integrity, compassion and faith. His 30 plus year career in banking with Texas Commerce Bank was distinguished and influential. David served as the founding President of TCB-Tanglewood, Chairman of the Board for TCB Del-Oro, and President of TCB-Airline, among other key leadership positions. His professionalism and expertise left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.
David was deeply committed to serving his community. He served on the board of The Boy Scouts Council, Vice-President of the Houston Downtown Association and as a fundraiser and board member of CanCare. His greatest devotion was to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. David was a dedicated student of Bible Study Fellowship and a committed member of First and Second Baptist Churches. There he was captain of the 24-hour prayer team, volunteered with hospital visitation and ministered to those in need at the First Baptist Mission, offering food, clothing and spiritual guidance.
David was an avid marathon runner competing in races across Houston, San Antonio and Galveston over the years. Memorial Park in Houston was his training ground and a place where his circle of friendships constantly expanded. Anyone who frequented the park was quickly welcomed into David’s world - he never missed the opportunity to get to know someone new. He was especially intentional about connecting with the friends of his daughters and grandchildren, always making time to listen, encourage and offer his wisdom.
David was proud of his heritage as the great, great-grandson of General Sam Houston and honored that legacy by participating in many family tributes and historical celebrations.
David was married for over 67 years to the love of his life Roberta Rudat Smith, with whom he shared a deep and abiding bond. He is survived by his wife Roberta, daughters Brenda Smith Tomek (husband Jeffrey Charles Tomek), Rosanne Smith Oelfke (husband David Karl Oelfke), grandchildren Tyler Houston Tomek (wife Iliana), Barrett Christian Tomek (fiancé’ Megan Schwartzkopf), David Hill Oelfke (wife Caroline), Kendall Houston Oelfke Fisher (husband Derek), and Samual William Oelfke. Great grandchildren include David Hill Oelfke Jr., Johnny Houston Tomek, Houston James Fisher and Eleanor Frances Oelfke.
David lived by his principles - his yes meant yes and his no meant no. Faith, family and friends were his unwavering priorities. He loved the Lord his God with all his heart and all his mind and that love radiated into every aspect of his life. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to David’s caregivers – Frankie Copeland, Lakita Copeland, Beverly Penson, Annie Williams, and The Care Team Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Care Team Hospice (8582 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024) or MD Anderson Cancer Center. A private celebration of life will be held at a later time.
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