[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 108 (Thursday, June 29, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1365-E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      TRIBUTE TO FRANK BRUCE SMITH

                                 ______


                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 29, 1995
  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good 
friend and outstanding East Texan, Frank Bruce Smith of Tool, TX, who 
died recently at the age of 80. Bruce was a lifelong resident of 
Henderson County and a man of stature there. I always felt a kinship to 
Bruce and his wife, Willie Mae; actually, Willie Mae is related to my 
wife. Bruce spent a lifetime devoting his energies to help make 
Henderson County a better place in which to live, and his presence will 
be truly missed.
  Born January 15, 1915, in Henderson County to Dan and Eula Smith, 
Bruce graduated from Mabank High School in 1934 and from Draughn's 
Business College in Dallas in 1937. He served 28 years with the Trinity 
River Authority, including serving as vice president, president, and 
chairman of the board. He was the only person to be appointed by five 
Governors.
  Bruce also was involved in the oil and cattle industries. He was an 
active member of the 

[[Page E 1366]]
Hard Hat Club, American and East Texas Petroleum Landman Association 
and Texas Independent Royalty Owner's Association. His cattle brand, 
``Big 4 Cattle Company,'' was recognized by Texas A&M University on its 
new agricultural building, the Calhoun Building, in College Station. 
Bruce gave his strong support to the Henderson County Fair Board, 
Henderson County Agricultural Board and Southwestern Cattle Raiser's 
Conventions.
  In addition to his many business responsibilities, Bruce devoted 
countless hours to community service, particularly in the area of 
education. He was a past board member of Malakoff Independent School 
District and at the time of his death was a member of the board of 
trustees of Trinity Valley Community College. He was a contributor to 
the Henderson County Historical Association and Henderson County 
Library.
  Bruce also was a member of the Lions Club and was a 32nd degree 
Mason. He supported the Boy Scouts of America, East Texas Medical 
Center, Henderson County Fairgrounds, and Optimist Club, which honored 
him with its Friends of Youth award. His service included the boards of 
many banks and savings and loan associations, and he was a board member 
of First National Bank of Athens at the time of his death. He was a 
long-time member of Providence Baptist Church in Tool.
  Bruce is survived by his wife, Willie Mae Landrum Smith of Tool; two 
daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn Sue and Kenneth Davis, and Janice 
Ann and Ronnie Brown; two granddaughters, Annsley Carol Brown and 
Keeley Lauren Brown; three sisters, Betty Rogers of Irving, Lometa 
Johnson of Tool, and Frances Monroe of Malakoff; and four brothers, 
Orvil Smith and Ray Smith, both of Tool, Jackie Smith of Tyler, and Pat 
Smith of Dallas.
  Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, I would like to join his family and 
many friends in paying our last respects to Bruce Smith and in thanking 
him for his many contributions. His legacy will be felt for generations 
to come.


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