William Alpha "Budd" Smith

William A. (Budd) Smith a devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, and man of deep faith, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the age of 80.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Gambrell Street Baptist Church, 1616 W. Gambrell Street, Fort Worth. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.  Interment will be in Laurel Land Memorial Park. 

Budd was born on June 20, 1946, in Middleburg, Kentucky, to Narine and Abner Smith. Throughout his life, he demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith, his family, and the education and spiritual development of others.

Budd devoted much of his professional life to theological education, serving at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as Professor of Foundations of Education 1979-2003. He was one of the founders of B.H. Carroll Theological Seminary as Senior Fellow of Ministry and Formation 2003-2016, helping establish an institution dedicated to preparing other for lives of Christian ministry and service. His passion for teaching extended well beyond the classroom. A longtime and faithful member of Gambrell Street Baptist Church, Budd taught adult Sunday School, sharing his knowledge of scripture and his love for the Lord with generations of fellow church members.

He was also actively involved with the Oxford Study program, through which he enjoyed traveling to Europe. He combined his love of England with taking seminary students to study abroad through his love of learning, history, faith, and fellowship, creating experiences he treasured.

While Budd’s contributions to theological education and Christian ministry were significant, his greatest joy was his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took a genuine interest in the lives and activities of his family and grandchildren. Whether attending their events, celebrating their accomplishments or simply spending time together, Budd cherished every opportunity to be involved in their lives.

Budd was preceded in death by his parents, Narine and Abner Smith; and his beloved granddaughter, Brinsley Michelle Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cloe Smith; son, Todd Smith and his wife, Jennifer; grandchildren, Braylon and Briggston Smith; and niece and nephews, Greg Williams, Jamie Jo Williams, and Jeff Williams and his wife, Lori.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marsh Institute for Chaplains, to Dr. Jim Browning at P.O. Box 2, Floresville, TX 78114, or at marshinstitute.org/donate