Crispin "Cris" Leigh Smith

Crispin “Cris” Leigh Smith, 81, passed away on September 15, 2022 at his home in Montgomery, Texas, after a long illness. Cris, an avid tennis and handball player and retired FBI agent, was born February 4, 1941 to parents Henry Jerome “Jerry” and Gladys (née Greenberg) Smith. Growing up in Whittier, California, with his two younger sisters, Sabra and Tarah, Cris was always happiest playing sports and chess. He found lifelong best friends in his next-door neighbors, Jack and Bettye Hayes. Though a few years older than Cris, Jack was a true kindred spirit. The two men enjoyed endless competitions and adventures throughout their lives, and Jack and Bettye’s children, John and Jan, held a special place in Cris’s heart. Cris graduated from Principia College and Willamette Law School. Upon graduation from law school, his father encouraged him to return home to California to join his legal practice. However, after much consideration, Cris decided to embark on a life of service to his country through a career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Cris began his 37 years with the Bureau in the Houston field office. It was while in Houston that he met the love of his life, Linda Smith (née Anderson). Linda always says it was God’s plan that they met, because the one time in her life that she picked up a tennis racket was the day he walked by and, by his account, saw a beautiful girl who seemed to love tennis like he did. She did not love tennis, but she did love him—almost immediately. They married 11 months later in Houston and after their honeymoon, Linda joined Cris at his new field office in Chicago. The newlyweds bought their first home in Oak Park, a suburb of Chicago, and over the next decade, welcomed three children: Andrew, Heather, and Matthew. When it came time for another transfer, Cris honored his wife’s wishes to be closer to her family and requested that he be transferred back to Houston, where they stayed to raise their three children. Although Cris took mandatory retirement from the Bureau in 1999, he continued to serve the FBI and other federal agencies doing investigative work for another 13 years. He was very proud to say he'd served the Bureau for 50 years. At retirement, Cris and Linda moved to Lake Conroe, where they've enjoyed the lake’s gorgeous sunrises, sunsets, and wildlife for the last 23 years. Ever the athlete, Cris not only loved the tennis group at April Sound, but continued to drive into Houston multiple times a week to play handball at the Downtown Y until his health began to decline. Cris and Linda enjoyed travel and took many trips abroad with friends and family through their retirement. They balanced their adventures with a strong sense of duty toward their family, lovingly caring for Linda’s mother throughout her long life, as well as for various other family members in times of need. This duty was nowhere more evident than in Cris and Linda’s own relationship. As Cris’s health declined, Linda worked tirelessly caring for him, and her love and devotion kept him going through the most challenging times of his illness. Their love and commitment to each other will be remembered by their children and grandchildren for the rest of their lives. Cris was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law, John Frederick Anderson, mother-in-law, Hazel Anderson, his brother-in-law John Frederick Anderson, Jr. and his brother-in-law, Jim Rickman. He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Linda, his children Andrew (Peggy) of Destin, Florida, Heather of Galveston, Texas, Matthew (Tracy) of Houston, Texas, and eight grandchildren: Julia Smith of Dallas, Allyssa Smith of Conroe, Hunter Smith of College Station, Palmer Smith of Montgomery, and Hazel, Finley, Crispin and Ismé Smith of Houston. He is also survived by his sisters, Sabra Rickman of Klamath Falls, Oregon, and Tarah Nellis of Madera, California and his nephews, Jeremiah (Alexandra) Nellis of Aurora, Colorado and Charley (Katie) Nellis of Aurora, Colorado and his niece Darby (Michael) Emerick of Madera, California and his great-nieces and nephews. Throughout his life, Cris supported many organizations committed to helping children in need. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to World Vision, or to the YMCA of Houston, where Cris was an active member for 50 years. Friends and family are welcome at the memorial service and reception, which will be held at 11am on October 22, 2022 at First Methodist of Conroe, 4308 W Davis St, Conroe, TX. 77304.

Crispin "Cris" Leigh Smith

February 4, 1941 - September 15, 2022