Ben R. Smart

Ben R. Smart, age 89 of Amarillo, passed from this life on August 25, 2025, in Amarillo.

Services will be on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Llano Cemetery Pantheon Mausoleum. Rev. John Valdez of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church will officiate. The Volleys for Veterans will render military honors.

Ben was born on March 22, 1936, in Tucumcari, New Mexico, to Robert Ernest and Susie Alice Johnston Smart. A proud graduate of Tucumcari High School, Ben went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

Following his military service, Ben pursued higher education at Texas Tech University, earning a degree in accounting. His dedication to learning and professional growth led him back to Texas Tech, where he became part of the inaugural graduating class of the Texas Tech School of Law in 1968.

Ben built a distinguished career, working both as an accountant and in the legal field through his own practices. Later, he served as Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Amarillo—a role he deeply valued and held until he retired.

A devoted family man, Ben worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones. He was also deeply committed to his community and faith. He was an active member of the Tanglewood Lions Club, the St. Thomas Men’s Club, and the Knights of Columbus. On August 26, 1987. He married Sharon Bellah at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. Their adventure would last almost three decades, until Sharon’s death in 2015.

Ben had a lifelong love of the outdoors. One of his greatest joys was elk hunting in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, a tradition he shared with close friends and, eventually, his son, Steve. He was also an avid reader and passionate sports fan, especially when it came to basketball and football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon, brothers William “Bill” Wood and Robert “Bob” Wood, a sister, Betty LaVerne Dugger, stepson Phillip Dixon, and a nephew, Lynn Dugger.

Ben is survived by his daughter, Janet Smart; his son, Steve Smart; stepdaughters Janet King and Husband Jeff, and Denise Sova and husband Don; three grandchildren, Jade Smart, Greg King, and Hunter King; two great-grandchildren, Maelynn and Waylon; and by many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial be made to Meals on Wheels Amarillo and the Alzheimer’s Association.