Rusty was born in Van Horn, Texas, to the late Walter Byron and Mary Lou (Elkins) Smith, Sr. A 1971 graduate of Hillsboro High School, he went on to help form the rodeo team at Hill College with a group of fellow students. He worked with his father at Neuhoff Brothers Feed Yard and was a professional bull-rider and rodeo clown for several years. Rusty served as a member of the United States Army in the 36th Airborne Division as well as the Texas National Guard.
An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Rusty trained hunt trial winning Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and traveled throughout the U. S. He introduced many young people to hunting and always enjoyed a day in the marsh or blind.
After spending a career with Texaco Oil Company, Rusty returned home to Hillsboro to ranch with his family as co-owner of Wagon Rod Limousin Ranch. He raised registered Limousin cattle and loved attending his church. Rusty was a family man, active in the Trail To The Cross Cowboy Church, and a founder of No Fences Cowboy Ministries in Milford and Brandon. A great man who never met a stranger, he was always willing to do anything for a friend or stranger in need. He was a true witness to God who inspired others with his testimony. He ended each conversation with these words, "I'm Blessed", when he, in fact, was the one who blessed those around him with his presence.
Survivors include his son, Mitchell Byron Smith and fiancée, Rehiannon, of Bynum; grandchildren, Broede Lane Smith, of Malone, and Wyatt Avery Smith, of Bynum; brother, Walt Smith and wife, Kelly, of Driftwood; sister, Margaret Taylor and husband, James, of Hillsboro; nieces, Meghan Harp, Delaney Harp, Margaux Smith, Eliza Smith, and Vivian Smith; and a nephew, Gareth Harp.
Rusty was born in Van Horn, Texas, to the late Walter Byron and Mary Lou (Elkins) Smith, Sr. A 1971 graduate of Hillsboro High School, he went on to help form the rodeo team at Hill College with a group of fellow students. He worked with his father at Neuhoff Brothers Feed Yard and was a professional bull-rider and rodeo clown for several years. Rusty served as a member of the United States Army in the 36th Airborne Division as well as the Texas National Guard.
An avid hunter and outdoorsman, Rusty trained hunt trial winning Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and traveled throughout the U. S. He introduced many young people to hunting and always enjoyed a day in the marsh or blind.
After spending a career with Texaco Oil Company, Rusty returned home to Hillsboro to ranch with his family as co-owner of Wagon Rod Limousin Ranch. He raised registered Limousin cattle and loved attending his church. Rusty was a family man, active in the Trail To The Cross Cowboy Church, and a founder of No Fences Cowboy Ministries in Milford and Brandon. A great man who never met a stranger, he was always willing to do anything for a friend or stranger in need. He was a true witness to God who inspired others with his testimony. He ended each conversation with these words, "I'm Blessed", when he, in fact, was the one who blessed those around him with his presence.
Survivors include his son, Mitchell Byron Smith and fiancée, Rehiannon, of Bynum; grandchildren, Broede Lane Smith, of Malone, and Wyatt Avery Smith, of Bynum; brother, Walt Smith and wife, Kelly, of Driftwood; sister, Margaret Taylor and husband, James, of Hillsboro; nieces, Meghan Harp, Delaney Harp, Margaux Smith, Eliza Smith, and Vivian Smith; and a nephew, Gareth Harp.
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