Dr. Richard "Dick" Madsen Smith

Dr. Richard “Dick” Madsen Smith, 79, passed away in his home surrounded by family on January 10, 2026. Dr. Smith was born in Amarillo on May 16, 1946, to Lt. Col. James D. Smith and Flora Lee “Sis” Smith. He graduated high school in Wichita, KS. He earned a B.S. in 1968 from West Texas State University, where he met and married the love of his life, Jimmie Ruth Weir, on May 6, 1967. He then went on to earn a D.D.S. from the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston in 1972. He earned his pilot’s license during his time at dental school.

After graduating from dental school, he moved back to Amarillo with his family and opened his first independent dental practice in September 1972. During the course of his private practice in Amarillo, he worked as a dentist at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch and in Spearman. He taught at Amarillo College Dental Hygiene and Dental Assistant school. In 2004, Dr. Brent Hawkins joined the practice. They became partners in 2008. In 2010, Dr. Hawkins became the managing partner of the practice and Dr. Smith continued to work at the Hawkins Dental Group through October 2026.

Dr. Smith was very involved in the state, national and international world of dentistry, having served as President or Chairman of at least sixteen different entities, three State Legislative Committees and Workgroups, was appointed by the Governor to two different state councils, and was a founding member of Texas Mission of Mercy. He received over a dozen prestigious state, national, and international awards and honors over his 54-year career. His curriculum vitae is extensive and impressive. He led a life of dedication, integrity, leadership and service of the profession and patients everywhere.

Dick and Jimmie joined the First Presbyterian Church of Canyon January 1, 1978. He served as a Deacon (1981-1983) and an Elder (1985-1987, 2021, 2024, 2028). He served as Moderator for the Pastor Nominating Committee in 1988. He was always around to lend a hand with church repairs and projects.

Dick was very active in his community for many years having served as President (2006-2007) and many other positions with the Amarillo Little Theatre for more than six years. He served on the Board of Directors of the Amarillo Symphony in 1998. He was President of the Samaritan Pastoral Counseling Center in 1995 and served on the Board for three years.

Dick enjoyed reading, traveling the world, golfing, flying, wine collecting, cooking, hosting guests, and building his own ¾ scale P51-D Mustang known as “The Other Woman.” He was an avid Amarillo Sod Poodles, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Cowboys fan. He made time to play with and coach girls’ basketball for both his daughters. He loved watching movies, especially John Wayne, westerns, old classics, and anything to do with WWII and airplanes. He had a quick wit, always ready with a smart aleck comment or joke to lighten the mood or just get the laugh.

He was a true friend, mentor, and leader to many. He was a wonderful father to not only his own daughters, but to many “chosen” children, including Shelley Smith Cunningham, Jeremy “Guido” Sloger, Amy Sloger Spears, and Justin Loe.

Dick is survived by his wife, his daughter Lee Anne Ross (Damon), daughter Leslie Richmond (Shane), his grandchildren Devon, Dakota, Joshua, Brynlee and Declan, and sibling Debra Fussell (Scott).

‍Dick is preceded in death by his parents.

‍A memorial service will take place at 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church of Canyon, 904 19th Street, Canyon TX. A reception will follow at 4:00 pm at Creek House Honey Farm, 5005 4th Ave, Canyon TX. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the First Presbyterian Church of Canyon.

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