Howard Smith Jr.

Howard went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, August 2, 2021, at the age of 71.

Many knew him as Bubba “Bowers” Smith, stepson of the late Charlie Bowers. Some called him Smitty, others H.K., but everyone knew him as Bubba.

Bubba was born in Richmond, Texas on July 21, 1950. His family moved to Sweeny in 1954 where he lived until 1966. His family moved to Freeport, Texas, and he graduated from Brazosport High School in 1968. He was one of the first students at Brazosport College as he attended the first year it opened. In 1969, he joined the USAF and received a Top-Secret clearance. He served his country in Vietnam and Cambodia for more than a year. After his discharge in 1973, he moved back to Sweeny as he considered that his home. He went back to college majoring in Business by attending night classes. It was during this time he met his wife of 46 years, Robbie Vitek Smith. Together they had two children, Heather Dornak of Flatonia, Texas and Dr. Heath Smith of Friendswood, Texas.

Bubba went to work for Amoco Production Co. in 1974 while continuing his education. He retired from BP Amoco in 2002 but continued working as a consultant to BP and Chevron until 2008.

Bubba is preceded in death by his father Howard Knox Smith, Sr., mother Gayle Elaine Deatherage, and stepfather Charles Ross Bowers.

Bubba is survived by his loving wife Robbie; their children and spouses: Heather and Robert Dornak, Jr. and Heath and Holli Smith. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Madeline Grace Dornak, Robert “Trey” Dornak, III, Madison Kate DenHartog, Braydon Michael DenHartog, Jack Austin DenHartog, Kennedy Elise Dornak, and Macy Lynn Smith. He is also survived by two sisters, Carol Tielkemeijer of Katy, Texas, and Pam Fields of Richmond, Texas.

Those that knew Bubba knew his greatest passion in life was the love for his children and grandchildren.

Pallbearers are Gene Hardwick, Jerry Vitek, Kevin Vitek, Mike Vitek, Bob Ward, and Cody Wilkins. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Bennett, Gary Coker, Jody Duke, Joe Laughlin, Ray Pierce, Glenn Retherford, Ashley Washington, and Dickey Williams.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 8, 2021, from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a Rosary to follow at 7:00 pm at C. T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 am Monday, August 9, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 219 County Rd. 762, Brazoria, Texas. Burial will follow at Brazoria Cemetery.