A longtime Houston businessman, whose career spanned more than four decades, passed away Friday.
R.E. “Eddie” Smith, 81, served as the president and chief executive officer for The Bank of Houston until his family sold the business in 2019. Mr. Smith was associated with the institution since 1972. Three generations of the Smith family — His father Robert “Cotton,” Eddie and son Chris — worked at the downtown bank, one of Houston’s longest-running businesses. It was formed in 1889. The senior Smith purchased the bank from Elmer Romines in 1969. For many years, the family operated a retail business in downtown Houston, Pay-Less 5 & 10.
Smith led many efforts to improve the community and served as a committee member, leader and benefactor of several Houston endeavors. Much of his interest was focused on job creation by attracting new businesses and industries to the community. His service on the Houston Development Co. spanned decades before it turned over its assets to its modern-day version, The City of Houston Industrial Development Authority.
The Smiths over the years were active in the agriculture community. Mr. Smith’s interests extended to the development of fairgrounds on North U.S. 63 and a board that annually organizes a livestock show and sale there.
Services for Mr. Smith are under the direction of Evans Funeral Home of Houston. Among survivors are his wife, Joan, and daughter, Tracie (Russ). Mr. Smith’s son, Chris, preceded him in death. A daughter-in-law, Laura, survives, along with two grandsons.