08/08/2026
Timothy Eugene Smith
October 4, 1961 – July 28, 2026
Timothy Eugene Smith entered into the presence of his Savior on July 28, 2026, after a life marked by unwavering faith, extraordinary creativity, boundless generosity, and a genuine love for people.
Born on October 4, 1961, in Kansas City, Missouri, Tim was the son of the late Louis Eugene Smith and Ruby Louise (Pratt) Smith-Harker. He was preceded in death by his sister, Cheryl Lynn Smith-Moreland.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lee Ann Bell-Smith; his cherished son, Henry Tylor Smith and found granddaughter Katherine Gough; Henry's mother, Linda Morth Welton; his siblings, Linda Susan Smith-Herdman, Kenneth Wayne Smith, and Lisa Ann Smith-Markham; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Through his marriage to Lee Ann, Tim also gained a wonderful "found family" who loved him as one of their own. His greatest legacy, however, is the countless friendships he formed over a lifetime. Tim never met a stranger— whether you had known him for five minutes or fifty years, Tim had a remarkable ability to make you feel like an old friend.
Raised as a tried-and-true Southern Baptist, Tim devoted his early years to ministry, studying theology at Bible colleges in Kansas City and Springfield, Missouri. His rich singing voice led him to travel with evangelistic ministries and perform Christian music before thousands, including appearances on Kansas City television. A mission trip to Guatemala in his early adulthood left a lasting mark and forever shaped his awareness of how blessed we are to live in this country.
In 1981, Tim married his high-school sweetheart Linda Carol Morth, and in 1983 they welcomed the greatest joy of Tim's life, his son Henry. Of all his accomplishments, Tim considered being Henry's dad his greatest privilege. He was a devoted father who cherished every stage of Henry's life and never stopped telling others how proud he was of the man his son had become.
Gifted with a remarkable eye for design, Tim built a career doing what he loved most—creating beautiful things. From owning an award-winning gift and interior design business in Kansas City to leading merchandising for Lifeway Book Stores and Genesis Marketing Group, he became affectionately known throughout the Christian gift industry as "The Guru." Friends could walk a trade show floor and instantly recognize the displays and products Tim had designed.
Later, Tim founded Smooth Sailing Press, helping independent authors fulfill their dreams of becoming published. Whether editing manuscripts, designing books, or directing illustrations for children's stories, he found great joy in bringing other people's visions to life.
In 2000, Tim reconnected with longtime friend Lee Ann Bell. Their friendship blossomed into a love story that spanned the next twenty-six years, and they were married on South Padre Island in 2006. Tim adored Lee Ann with all his heart. She was his greatest champion, always believing in his ideas, encouraging his dreams, and standing beside him in every adventure. The two shared a rare gift—the ability to laugh together, enjoy the little moments, and truly delight in each other's company.
In 2017, they followed God's leading to Historic Downtown Navasota, where Tim fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Stonecroft Marketplace. More than a store, Stonecroft reflected Tim himself—warm, welcoming, creative, and impossible to define with just one description. The store became a beloved part of the Navasota community and a place where Tim's greatest gift—the ability to connect with people—shined every day.
Tim also left his artistic mark on the community through projects like the award-winning restoration of the P.A. Smith Hotel, where his vision for the interiors helped create one of downtown Navasota's true treasures.
To know Tim was to know someone who made life brighter. His creativity, laughter, generous spirit, quick wit, and deep faith touched everyone around him. Even in death, Tim continued giving to others through organ donation, leaving one final gift that reflected the generosity with which he lived.
His family rejoices in the assurance that Tim has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and now rests in the presence of the Savior he loved so dearly. Those who loved Tim are left with hearts forever changed by his absence, yet his legacy will continue to live on in the countless lives he touched, the friendships he cherished, and the beauty he brought into the world.
A celebration of Tim's life will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 29th at First Baptist Church of Navasota.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Tim's memory by extending kindness to a stranger, supporting a small local business, creating something beautiful, and hugging those you love a little tighter.
