Stephen Christopher Smith

Fort Worth lost a good one on March 5, 2025, when Stephen Christopher Smith rode off into the sunset for the final time. Born October 29, 1977, to Rudy and Sue Smith, Stephen spent his life collecting stories, laughter, and maybe one too many fishing lures.

A proud graduate of Brewer High School’s Class of 1996 (go Bears!), Stephen was a man of simple joys: the roar of his Harley, the thrill of a good football game, and the quiet peace of a fishing trip—especially with his Paw Paw, who no doubt greeted him at the pearly gates with a fresh baited hook and a bigger fish story than last time.

Stephen never met a hot dog he didn’t like, a knife he didn’t need, or a dog that didn’t steal his heart. His knack for storytelling—particularly when it came to fishing—ensured that his legacy of “the one that got away” will live on for generations.

He was welcomed into Heaven by his grandparents, Arvel and Edna Smith and W.B. and Estell Faught, along with his nephew, Ian Ryker Smith. While he may have traded his Harley for angel wings, he leaves behind a world made brighter by his love, laughter, and legendary fishing tales.

Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Brown Owens & Brumley’s Joe B. Brown Memorial Chapel, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the service. Stephen will find his final resting place at Laurel Land Memorial Park—hopefully somewhere with a nice shady spot for future fishing breaks.

Stephen, may the waters be calm, the fish always biting, and the roads in Heaven open wide. Ride on, buddy.

Stephen leaves behind his wife, LaRita Ray; parents, Rudy and Sue Smith; sisters, Shelley Smith and Kelley Smith; mother in law, Jannella Harris; sister in law, Chrissie Gaines; nephews, Legend Smith, Hayden Smith, Ryker Ruyle and Dax Burks; nieces, Ashtyn Carr (Airyn), Blakely Burr, Harlow Burr and Tori Joiner and Octavia Joiner; uncles, Ray Faught, David Arnold; aunts, Pat Faught and Lynn Arnold; numerous cousins; his furry best friends, Otis and Fritzy; and numerous good friends.