Dr Leonard "Bud" W. Smith Jr, 83, of Amarillo, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026.

A memorial mass will be held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at 10:00 am, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 4100 S. Coulter, with Reverend John Valdez presiding.

Bud was born on June 22, 1943, in Mexico, Missouri to Leonard W. Sr and Opal (Rudasill) Smith. He was a proud graduate of Tascosa High School class of 1961 in Amarillo, Texas. Following his graduation, Bud set off on his career path by enrolling in West Texas State University where he would graduate in 1966. Bud graduated Omicron Kappa Upsilon on March 30, 1971, and would then enroll at The University of Texas Dental School Houston where he would graduate in June of 1971. Not long after, Bud received his Texas State Board of Dental Examiners License on July 1, 1971, and finally wrapped up his education by graduating with his doctorate degree from the University of Texas School of Periodontics on May 14, 1973.

Bud began his own private practice in 1973. He loved his career and would tell everyone that he never worked a day in his life because to him, it was his passion, not a job. Bud was a member of the Southwest Society of Periodontists and became a member of American Academy of Periodontology on September 26, 1975. He served the people of the panhandle and surrounding communities with integrity that was unmatched and genuinely loved every moment of it.

Bud was always seeking a new adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved the thrill of big game hunting or hoping to catch the day's biggest fish. Bud hunted and fished all over the world from South Africa, New Zealand, and anywhere else he could think of.

He and Becky spent many days travelling for leisure as well. They loved to see new sites and experience different cultures. The further they went, the more they loved it.

But nothing brought Bud more enjoyment than his family. He was a devoted husband to Rebecca “Becky” Jesko who he married at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on April 18, 1996. His grandchildren were the light of his life. He cherished each of them and loved them unconditionally. Bud would play Santa at Christmas doing all the things he could think of just to watch the joy, and sometimes fear, on their little faces that would spark the Christmas spirit. Though usually a serious man, he had a heart of pure gold when it came to his family.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Joyce Caldwell. Those left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife of 30 years, Becky, daughters, Heather Smith (Chase) and Megan Stone (Monty), sons, Russell Sanderson (Pawlina) and Richard Sanderson, and his most favorite people, the six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; as well as many extended family and cherished colleagues and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation in honor of Bud Smith be made to the Downtown Women’s Center of Amarillo or a charity of your choice.