Hunter Smith

Ryan Hunter Smith, age 35, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on March 25, 2023 after a tragic accident. Hunter was born on April 12, 1987 in Huntsville, TX to David Smith and Linda Carlson. Growing up in Walker County, Hunter loved the outdoors and could frequently be found walking a creek bed looking for rocks and arrowheads. Some of his favorite interests have always been science, carpentry, astronomy and anything he could build with his hands. Hunter graduated from Huntsville High School in 2005. Hunter was on the junior high and Huntsville High School golf teams. Hunter first started playing golf at age four and continued to love the game throughout his life. Hunter also attended Sam Houston State University. Hunter’s love of the outdoors would follow him into adulthood. He loved to hunt, fish and explore. He always had his special companion, Buddy- his dog- with him everywhere he went. Hunter rescued Buddy off the side of the road, when he was just a puppy and they shared an inseparable bond. Hunter loved the Lord and was a member of Northside Baptist Church. He had a kind and generous heart and a giving spirit. He was always willing to help anyone in need. Hunter also had a love for cooking, a skill he acquired from his mom, Linda. Hunter is preceded in death by his grandparents Joe and Ann Smith; Oscar and Sue Carlson and his aunt Karen Kay Carlson along with his step-mother Peggy Seale Smith. He is survived by his father, David Smith and Debbie Mitcham; mother Linda Carlson and John Routh; step-brother Kelly Routh; sister McKinsey McAdams Copeland and husband Baron; nieces Emery Kate and Madison Copeland, nephew Walker Copeland; his aunt JoAnn Smith and Scott Kelley. Cousins John Crow and his wife April and son Cody, and his cousin Kelly Crow. He is also survived by some very special "aunts and uncles" and many friends, too numerous to name. All are invited to greet the family at a visitation on Friday, March 31, 2023 at 10:00am at Northside Baptist Church on FM 980. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am. Hunter will be laid to rest at one of his favorite and a place he considered among the most beautiful places he had ever known- a waterfall on the family ranch, where he could always find comfort and peace. Hunter left this world way too soon and he will be greatly missed. Pallbearers are Steven Townley, Ricky Langley, Sean Harding, Colton Harding, Garrett Sprott and Travis Cobb. In lieu of flowers, memorials for the Hunter Smith scholarship fund can be made to Northside Baptist Church (1207 FM 980, Huntsville TX 77320). Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com.

Hunter Smith

April 12, 1987 - March 25, 2023