Barry Smith

The Smith family mourns the loss of but celebrates the life of Barry Smith. Barry lost his battle with renal cancerand slipped away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday 5/23/13. As any of you that knew him are aware, Barry had lots of hats. He had his golf hats, his rain hats, his cold weather hat, his hot weather hats, and for several years, his Santa hat. This was indicative of his life. He wore many hats. Barry had the gift of teaching. He made his career teaching school where he was able to push the more gifted students to their limits, but always include those that had more difficulties. He was able to make everyone feel like they had something to contribute and were as important as anyone else. The impact he was able to make on several of his students lives was evident in the fact that he maintained relationships with them long after they graduated and became adults. After retiring from the Mesquite Independent School District, he continued to teach through his bible study classes at his church. His passion was spending time in the word, doing research, and putting his thoughts in order so that he could pass on what he had learned to those that worshiped with him. The real gift of teaching was evident even in his casual, everyday conversations. He could talk to anyone about just about any subject. Often, you walked away from those conversations having learned something without even being aware that he was teaching. Barry also loved the game of golf. He probably enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the actual game. He taught both of his sons the game and then went on to include both of his grandsons. He never traveled to visit his sons without his clubs. Some of his fondest memories were of golf rounds played with his sons, his grandsons, and his church friends. He also kept in touch with the younger generation by playing Santa. Elaine went to great lengths to construct a very elaborate Santa suit so that he could dress the part. He paid visits to several schools and daycare centers around the Dallas area and made house calls to families with younger children. He played Santa for the Dallas Cowboys for several years. Barry was one of those people who's sense of humor was infectious. He always had a smile and kind word for anyone he met. He might not remember all of the names, but he never forgot a face. Hewould often have a joke or a story to tell that had significant meaning to those he met. His near photographic memory allowed him to memorize some of the great comedic performances of people like Andy Griffith and Bill Cosby. He loved to reenact those performances to entertain his church groups and friends. Those that knew him best knew that the most important thing in his life was his relationships with Elaine, his loving wife of over 55 years, his 3 children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren,and most important of all his relationship with God. He was a shining example of what a good christian man is supposed to be. The world was a better place to be with him in it and we all mourn his passing. While he would understand our feelings, I think he would want us to all celebrate the fact that he has reached his ultimate goal. He lived his life as a great man, a great husband, a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is now with our Heavenly Father and his son Jesus, basking in the glory of heaven. He is survived by his wife Elaine, his children Mark, Brad, and Laura, and their families.