Dock Smith

Dock Smith Sr., age 85, of Amarillo, Texas, passed peacefully on January 29, 2026. Dock was born on April 7, 1940, in Clarksville, Texas, to Samuel and Sally (Burks) Smith Sr. He later attended Rule High School in Rule, Texas. His family eventually moved to Amarillo, where he gained employment with the Fort Worth–Denver Railroad.
 

Dock always desired to pursue a career in barbering. He enrolled in Tyler Barber School and graduated in 1967. After returning to Amarillo, he joined a team of barbers at Union Barbershop, located at 5th and Hughes. Years later, the business relocated to 1019 N. Hughes, where it remained for decades. Dock provided 58 years of dedicated service to his community. Even as his health began to decline, he continued to frequent the shop he loved.
 

Dock accepted Christ at a young age and was a faithful member of North Heights Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon and later as an elder. Anyone who spoke with him knew he had a personal relationship with Christ. He loved to sing, and his favorite hymn was “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.” Dock was a railroad worker, barber, mentor, husband, father, and friend. He lived a life of service—serving his customers, his community, and his family. He was a member of the North Jenkins Masonic Lodge and a lifetime member of the NAACP.
 

Dock married Bobbie Neil Jones on November 24, 1970. Their union blended a family of seven children. His family, church, and dedication to his work shaped his strong character and lasting legacy.
 

Dock was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sally Smith; his siblings, Willie James, Jurline Ford, Samuel Jr., Richard, and Wiley Smith; and his children, Shirley Smith, Byron Smith, and Iran Smith.
 

He is lovingly cherished by his wife of 55 years, Bobbie Neil Smith; his sons, Dock Smith Jr. (Loria), Don Smith, and Dewayne Smith; and his daughter, Anastacia (Stephen) Joseph. He is also survived by four sisters, Emmer Lee Hale, Betty Sue Calhoun (Willie), Floria Dean Williams (Elgin), and Mary Jane Redman (Curtis); three brothers, S.W. Smith, Mal Smith, and Robert “Bobby” Smith; along with an abundance of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.

“The Legacy”
Mirror, mirror, they often said,
I look in the glass and see you instead.
The same firm hand, the same quiet way,
Guiding my footsteps through the light of day.
You gave me much more than a sturdy name,
You gave me a heart that will keep your flame.
I’m honored, Daddy, to be called your son,
Your work is finished; the victory is won.
I love you,
Dock Jr.

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