Donald "Don" Reagan Smith's Obituary
Donald "Don" Reagan Smith passed away on October 17, 2022, at the age of 66. Don was a lifelong public servant who loved travel, hiking, movies, philosophy, art, and listening to classical and jazz. He remained in awe of the beauty and mystery of the universe throughout his life.
Don graduated from Longview High School in 1974. He received his undergraduate degree in Psychology from UT Tyler and later earned degrees in Gerontology (B.S.) and Urban Affairs (M.A.) from UT Southwestern and UT Arlington. During a stint in the U.S. Navy, he studied Chinese at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, and completed Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island.
Don lived in many different places throughout his life, and he ended up in north Texas, an easy drive to Longview, his childhood home. He was known for his dry sense of humor, love of exploring new ideas, and reading. He loved his dog Ralph as a member of the family.
At the time of his death, Don was founder and CEO of Texas Healthy at Home, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of older Texans.
Don began his public service as an intern at the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Over a 36 year career, he worked in Houston, Waco, and Fort Worth, serving for 16 years as the Executive Director of the Area Agency on Aging and Vice President of Community Investment at United Way of Tarrant County.
He was actively involved in creating policy at the federal and state levels, and he held a variety of leadership positions in national and statewide organizations in his field. Don’s work on dementia, fall prevention, caregiver support, and social isolation are some of the ways he made an impact.
He was renowned for his mentorship of employees and commitment to effective leadership. Don practiced and taught mindfulness to deepen understanding among colleagues, friends, and family, and he never shied away from healthy and civil debate.
Don was a devoted father and a loyal son and brother who was predeceased by his father Bennie Dongene Smith and dog Ralph Waldo Smith; he is survived by his mother Gayle of Longview. He is also survived by his son Dylan and daughter Hannah, both of California, and his sister Nikki of Longview.
A memorial for Don will be held at the First Baptist Church of Judson on Dec. 6 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to your local Meals on Wheels provider.
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