Byron Smith

Biography

Byron Baylor “Rusty” Smith, 62, of Hillsboro passed away Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at Town Hall Estates Nursing Home in Hillsboro. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 24, 2013, at Trail To The Cross Cowboy Church in Hillsboro with Pastor Frank Escamilla and Pastor Kenny Kennedy officiating. Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 26, 2013, at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine. Visitation will be from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Friday, August 23, 2013, at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Hillsboro.

Rusty was born June 28, 1951 in Van Horn to 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 feedyard 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.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include his son, Mitchell Byron Smith and fiancé, Rehiannon, of Bynum; brother, Walt Smith and wife, Kelly, of Driftwood; sister, Margaret Taylor and husband, James, of Hillsboro; two grandchildren, Broede Lane Smith of Malone and Wyatt Avery Smith of Bynum; 5 nieces, Meghan Harp, Delaney Harp, Margaux Smith, Eliza Smith, and Vivian Smith; and a nephew, Gareth Harp.

Memorials may be made to the Trail To The Cross Cowboy Church, P. O. Box 658, Hillsboro, TX 76645 or Fosters Ranch For Children, P. O. Box 978, Stephenville, TX 76401.