Dr. Dennie Lee Smith, 72, passed away Thursday, September 10, 2015 in College Staton, Texas. He was raised in Clay, West Virginia by Isaac “Brooks” and Katie Elizabeth Smith and was the oldest of three children. He was a high school basketball star and achieved the ranking of Eagle Scout. He attended Marshall University and then continued to Auburn University earning an Ed.D. in Education.
He began his career at The University of Memphis as Professor/Department Chair where he met his wife of 34 years, Lana (Massey) Smith, also an Education Professor. Together they were prolific authors of numerous publications in the areas of educational development and research. Dennie transitioned to Texas A&M University as Professor/Department Head/Senior Research Associate in 2003.
Dennie enjoyed many hobbies including photography, windsurfing, sailing, snowmobiling, and woodworking. Dennie saw the beauty in everything and he never met anything old and rusty he didn’t love and want to preserve. He was a true role model to the community as well as his family.
Left to honor Dennie and to share his legacy are his wife, Lana (Massey) Smith, three children, Chad Smith, Niki (Smith) Holman, and Shannon (McWilliams) McCarty; five grandchildren, Zachery Holman, Devon Holman, Riley McCarty, Tess McCarty, and Tabitha McCarty; his sister, Dr. Nina K. Smith; his brother, Dr. Randy B. Smith and wife Debby; and a host of friends, neighbors, and former students around the world.
Services will be held Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 5:30 pm at Brazos Fellowship Church, 226 Southwest Parkway E. College Station, TX. The family requests that memorials be sent to a fund account www.gofundme.com/6Y3XHAAW. Gifts received will be applied to a scholarship being established in Dennie’s memory for a student participating in a Study Abroad field trip in the College of Education at Texas A&M University.
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Lana,
I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband, Dennie. My deepest condolences go out to you and your family during this time of grief. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and grant you the strength needed to get through this tough moment in your life. You and your family will be in my daily prayers.
Dear Lana and Family, Our deepest sympathies on your loss. I came here just a year ago and what an impact he made just in that year alone. I went to Dennie with all my questions and always got a warm smile and well thought out advise. God must have wanted him in heaven soon so that he would have the benefit of enjoying Dennie’s gifts.
Kay
Dear Lana and family,
I am so sorry that Dennie died way before his time. The last time I saw him he was full of energy and either going somewhere or doing something he enjoyed. I know that there is a huge hole in your lives right now and although it will get smaller, it will never totally close. I will pray for you and your family for God to give you strength and understanding during a time of great loss. May you be granted peace in abundance. Bill Rupley
Dr. Lana and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of your dear husband Dr. Dennie Smith. We are friends from Memphis State Days. My daughter Donna Michelle Smith and Shannon attended campus school together . Dr. Dennie leaves a wonderful legacy as an educator and friend to humanity.
Love,
Ann, Michelle and Don Smith
Dear Lana and family,
We never met. First my condolence. For me it was a wonderful opportunity to work with Dennie at TAMU. He had such a positive influence on the project we worked on. I only just learned of his passing from a former TAMU colleague.
Christine Economides, now at the University of Houston
Dear Lana,
Accept my deepest condolences. I always remember Dennie with a big smile, full of energy, positive outlook, and a friendly happy face. It is sad to see him gone before his time. I pray that God gives you the strength to go through this difficult time.
With sympathy and love,
Zohreh
Mrs. Smith and family,
My deepest condolences to you all. I’ve just learned of Dr. Smith’s passing and am so saddened. I am a former staff member in the College of Education and had the pleasure of interacting with Dr. Smith during his initial interview process and ultimate transition to Texas A&M University. He was one of the most kindest, gentle, caring, friendly, funny gentlemen I’ve had the pleasure of indirectly working with. I know the staff and faculty he worked with directly had the utmost appreciation for him. Texas A&M and the College of Education & Human Development were blessed to have had him during his time with us. May God continue to provide you all with peace, comfort and strength today, and days ahead.
I don’t recall meeting Dennie, but I have a business card of his from circa 2008 that must’ve been acquired through some social networking for a potential community bicycle project in Bryan/College Station and related to A&M. There is a hand-written note on the card that he is a supporter of Maroon Bike Project – for that, I and others are grateful for his progressive thinking, gratitude, and support.
I hope this message is received well, after so many years.