Harry Beamon Smith

Harry Beamon Smith, 80, was born on July 3, 1946, in Livingston and passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Wesley Smith, and his mother, Alvah Nell Cook.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Martha Ruth Smith, of Livingston; his daughter, Angie Christine Beaudreau, of Houston; his son, Chad Austin Smith, and wife, Mayte Alquicira, of McKinney; his three beloved grandchildren, Chloe Madison Beaudreau of New York, Austin Scott Beaudreau, and Ainsley Taylor Beaudreau of Houston; his brother, Marion "Bid" Smith, and wife, Grace Smith, of Livingston; and his sister, Connie June Smith, of Brenham.

Harry Smith dedicated his life to teaching and coaching, spending his career teaching Texas history and coaching football, basketball, and track. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1968, he began his teaching career at Somerville, Texas. Following his marriage on June 6, 1970, he returned to Livingston and worked at Leggett ISD before spending the remaining 33 years of his career at Splendora ISD. He retired from teaching in 2003 after 35 years in education, but his passion for educating and coaching students never faded. He coached his own children as well, his son in soccer, baseball, basketball, and flag football, and his daughter in softball and track, and never missed a chance to cheer her on from the stands when she was a varsity cheerleader. After retiring, he became Caretaker and later President of the Board of Forest Hill Cemetery, a role he held to the present day. He was also on the Polk County Appraisal Board for the last eight years.

A proud Texan through and through, he was a devoted University of Texas sports fan, never missing a game. His remarkable memory for sports trivia and statistics amazed everyone around him; he could recall scores, player records, and historic moments with ease. He could always be found with his nose in a newspaper, keeping up with current events. He believed in hard work above all else, lived simply and without concern for material things, and always put his family first. Some of his happiest moments were spent quietly at home with his wife, Martha, gardening and watching home movies, and in his later years, catching up with old friends over a Dr Pepper at his regular spots, Whataburger, Brookshire Bros, and McDonald's, visits he kept up nearly every day for years.

But more than anything, Harry Beamon loved being a grandfather. His three grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment he got to spend with them. For seven years, he made treasured memories camping with them at Jellystone Park, and he was always there cheering Chloe on at her track and cross-country meets, marveling at Austin's talent with computers, and watching Ainsley shine in her dance performances. Alongside all the fun, he never stopped pushing them to value their education, instilling in them the importance of academics.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at First Baptist Church in Livingston, with Bro. Lee Poe officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery in Livingston. Visitation will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., at the church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported Harry throughout his seven-year battle with cancer. Special thanks to his medical care team, Reliant Home Health, and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care. The family is also deeply grateful to Corky Cochran; his close friend, Junior Duncan; his lifelong friend, Benny Bright; and his angel, Tomika Linsey, for their unwavering support and friendship throughout this journey.