John "Bud" Smith

John Harry "Bud" Smith was born on December 3, 1935, at the original Parkland Hospital in Dallas, Texas, and passed away peacefully at his home in Dallas, Texas, on July 21, 2026, at the age of 90.

John was an entrepreneur at heart from an early age. As a young boy, he earned money by shining shoes and raising chickens, demonstrating the work ethic and determination that would define his life. After learning the general contracting trade, at the age of 42 he founded Doric Building Corporation, which he successfully owned and operated for 35 years.

John had a lifelong love for animals and opened his heart and home to many rescued pets over the years, including six cats and seven dogs. He also shared a passion for travel with his wife, Jacqueline. Together they created a lifetime of cherished memories, taking 42 cruises and visiting six continents and 75 countries.

A proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne and 11th Airborne, John also dedicated much of his life to service through his church and numerous civic and fraternal organizations. He was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, the Dallas Elks Lodge, the Gabe P. Allen Masonic Lodge, the Hella Shriners, the Knights Templar, the Royal Order of Scotland, and the Junior Chamber of Commerce.

Among John's many honors, he was especially proud to receive the Honorary 33°, one of the highest distinctions in the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, recognizing a lifetime of outstanding service and dedication.

John believed in giving back to others, and his favorite charity was Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, whose mission was close to his heart.

John will be remembered for his unwavering work ethic, adventurous spirit, generous heart, love of animals, and deep devotion to his family and friends. His legacy of hard work, compassion, and service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

John is survived by his beloved wife, Jacqueline Ann Smith; his stepdaughters, Stacey Davis, Rhonda Thompson and her husband Roy Richichi; and his step-grandchildren, Alex Thompson and Callie Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents Carl Edward Smith and Christine (Zarafonetis) Smith.

The family will greet friends at a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, Texas 75240. An AHEPA tribute and Trisagion service will follow at 9:30 a.m. and the Orthodox funeral service will commence at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in memory of John Harry Smith to the Dallas Scottish Rite Children's Hospital at: https://scottishriteforchildren.org/