J. Mark Smith

April 1, 1957 - November 30, 2024

J. Mark Smith, 67, died Saturday, November 30, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1957, to Geraldine Alexander Smith and Bobby Duke Smith in Picayune, Mississippi.

After growing up between Mississippi, Louisiana and Midland, Texas, his family settled in Beaumont where he graduated from Forest Park High School and later met his wife of 42 years, Denise. He then attended Lamar University where he joined Phi Delta Theta fraternity and met many of his lifelong friends.

He spent the next years traveling the roads of South Texas, building his land business and making connections and friendships that endure to this day. As the consummate landman, he could identify every courthouse and Dairy Queen in South Texas from memory.

He enjoyed serving the Southeast Texas community and served on many boards including the Texas Energy Museum, the Lamar University Foundation and the Christus Southeast Texas Foundation. He reigned as King Neches LXXV.

Survivors include his wife, Denise Smith; children, Amanda Smith of Houston; Zachary Smith and his wife, Lauren, of Midland; and Allison Proffitt and her husband, Harrison, of Houston; grandchildren, Nathan Smith, Annemarie Smith, Eloise Smith and Harry Proffitt; brother, Charles Smith and his spouse, Richard Morgan; father-in-law, James Lytle; and numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Robert Thomas Smith; and grandsons, James Smith and Graham Smith.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program, 2390 Dowlen Road, Beaumont, Texas 77706 or the Lamar University Foundation, P.O. Box 11500, Beaumont, Texas 77710.

A gathering of Mr. Smith’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with his memorial service to follow at 2:30 p.m., Friday, December 6, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.

Video

Download Program

Gathering of Family and Friends

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • December 6, 2024
  • 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Memorial Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • December 6, 2024
  • 2:30 pm

Comments (26)

    David Rosson says:

    Mark was a wonderful guy with a great attitude. So enjoyed being his classmate and watching him shoot hoops in the 70’s. May God’s blessing be upon all of his family!

    Mark, Katy Jefferson says:

    Prayers for Mark’s family…

    Gail Foreman says:

    Prayers and sympathy to all of the family.
    God Bless you all

    Kathleen Tokheim says:

    My deepest condolences to Mark’s family. He was one of the kindest men I have ever known. I was blessed to have known him.

    Tommy and Liz Welch says:

    Denise, we are saddened by Mark’s passing. We extend our prayers, sympathy and love to you and your family. God bless and keep you all.

    Brian J Kalinec says:

    Dear Denise and family,

    We are so sorry to hear of Mark’s passing. Please know that all of you are in our hearts and in our prayers…Love and comfort to you and your family.

    Brian and Pam Kalinec

    Jon Griffin says:

    Denise and Family, words cannot express how sorry we are for losing Mark. We had some great times working together on many projects. Mark was always a fine gentleman to all that he met and worked with and will be missed by all who knew him. Know that you and family are in our prayers. You have our deepest sympathies.
    Jon & Kelly Griffin

    Becky Bloodsworth says:

    Dear Mark’s family. I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Mark was a sweetheart, a good man from those Forest Park high school days and throughout his life. My prayer for your family is knowing God continues to watch over you and He’s got Mark with Him. Wishing you all the peace as you deal with living each day.

    Mike Jenkins says:

    Denise and family,
    I am sorry to hear that Mark has passed..
    Mark and I first met thru Phi Delts at Lamar University and have been friends since that time.
    Beaumont has lost a true selfless leader. Mark was always generous and giving to those in need, be an individual or an organization.
    For several years, Mark and Al -Ts donated a crawfish boil auction item for Boy Scouts.
    On one occasion, Mark’s cooking crew was overbooked for the day of the crawfish boil.
    We were definitely scrambling to make it happen and Mark said to me “you help me and I’ll do the cooking”. Needless to say it was a huge success. That is just how Mark rolled.
    We were all blessed with his friendship.
    Mike

    Nancy Duhon Webb says:

    Dearest Denise and Zach- please know we are all praying for you and yours! Mark was such a wonderful, kind, and welcoming gentleman. It was our privilege to know him as part of the St Anne’s and Kelly High family.

    Shirley says:

    I met Mark while working at the Hardin County Tax Office!! He was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure and honor to have met!
    My prayers are that God will strengthen and sustain you during this hour of grief!!!

    Bridgette Duerler Hall says:

    Denise, I am so very sorry to hear of your husbands passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God hold you and your family in his loving arms during this difficult time.

    Randy Trahan says:

    May he Rest In Peace.

    Dr. Ed Collins says:

    So sorry to hear this. Prayers for the peace that passeth all understanding.

    Andy Blalock says:

    Denise and Family
    So sorry for your loss. I have many nice memories of mark and our time together in the Fraternity. He was a great leader as President. Praying for your family.
    Andy Blalock

    Billy Harrison says:

    So blessed to be a part of this life with someone who will contribute eternally.

    Tommy Welch says:

    Denise and family, Liz and I are so sorry to hear of your loss of such a loved one . May God send his love and mercy to You and your family during this difficult time

    Jacy Thibodeaux says:

    My heart has been broken by this. So many memories flood my mind, from since I was a young girl. So many prayers are going up for your beautiful family. May you rest in sweet peace, Mr. Mark.

    Cynthia McMilllon Stieber says:

    So very sorry to hear this. Prayers for family

    Jody Madigan says:

    Catfish….. brings the meeting to order…. fly high brother…

    Larry Parish says:

    Denise Pam and are so sorry for your loss. Mark introduced me to the landman business after I retired. I enjoyed working for him and the guidance he gave me. We also had many dove hunts together. Our prayers go out to you and the family.

    Scott and Pam Shelander says:

    Sweet Denise,
    Scott and I are heartbroken for you, Amanda, Zach, Allison, and the rest of your beautiful family. May God wrap His arms around each of you, and give you peace and comfort. Please know there are many, many people praying for y’all.

    Pam

    Jay Otto says:

    Denise
    Im so very sorry to hear this news
    Mark was always my soul mate.
    May God’s mysterious peace comfort you and your family in this difficult season

    Patrick P says:

    I am so sorry to hear this. Praying for the family.

    Frank and Cathy Zummo says:

    Oh Denise and family,
    Please know we are so very sorry for the loss of Mark.
    You all are always in our thoughts and prayers.
    May God give you peace and carry you in his loving arms throughout this sad time.

    Rozanne Blount says:

    Denise, Brian and I are so sorry for this unexpected loss of your dear Mark.
    Prayers for all of your family.

    Rosie

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