Meet Dr. Henry Smith III, DDS
Dr. Andrew Henry Smith III—known affectionately as Henry, Dr. Smith, and Papa—passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas, surrounded by the love of his devoted wife and children. Henry lived a life of grace, perseverance, and deep commitment to family and community.
Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, to Andrew Henry Smith II and Zillah Beatrice Smith (née Short), Henry’s story was extraordinary from the very beginning. As a child, he survived a congenital heart defect and, at the age of ten, underwent a pioneering open-heart surgery performed by the renowned Dr. Denton Cooley—one of the early procedures of its kind. From that miraculous beginning, Henry went on to live a life rich with purpose, joy, and unwavering love.
A proud graduate of Nederland High School, Henry earned his degree in pharmacy from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979, being selected to Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society. He continued his education at the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, working nights as a pharmacist at St. Luke’s Hospital, and graduated as a Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1981. Along the way, Henry built a community of lifelong friends drawn to his warmth, generosity, wit and quiet strength.
While completing his dental studies, Henry met the love of his life, Bonnie Jo Hermann. The two were married on January 23, 1982, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with laughter, adventure, and unconditional support. Shortly after, they settled in the Rio Grande Valley, where Henry opened his dental practice on Bryan Road in Mission, Texas, in 1985—a practice that would become a cornerstone of the community.
Henry’s impact reached far beyond his dental office. His dedication to service was evident in every aspect of his life. He was a member of numerous organizations, including the Mission Lions Club (1983–2025) serving as President in 1990, the Mission Chamber of Commerce, and the Mended Hearts Association. He served on the medical advisory board of Mission CISD, coached youth baseball with the Mission Boys Club, and was a lifetime member of the Texas Dental Association. From 2001 to 2007, he was on the Sharyland ISD School Board, proudly serving as the Board President in 2004. Most recently, he served as President of the Sharyland Water Supply Corporation Board of Directors (2018–2021). He was also a proud member of the National Society - Sons of the American Revolution.
Above all, Henry’s greatest joy and proudest legacy was his family. He was a loving, devoted father to his children, Scarlett Leigh Wood (née Smith) and Andrew Henry Smith IV. Whether helping Scarlett prepare for the Citrus Parade or spending hours at Boy Scout campouts with Andrew, Henry was always fully present and fully invested. His joy only deepened as he watched his children flourish, becoming the best of adventure and travel friends with Scarlett. Henry also had the unique privilege of practicing dentistry alongside his son Andrew at the very practice he had built decades earlier. It was well known that Henry was a lifelong, dedicated Longhorn fan and he enjoyed sharing that with his children as well.
Becoming a grandfather brought Henry immeasurable happiness. He cherished every moment with his grandchildren, Andrew “Henry” Smith V and Wesleigh Anne Wood, and looked forward with anticipation to the arrival of a third grandchild this summer. His later years were filled with the pleasures of gardening and adventure, including more than 54 cruises taken with Bonnie, his beloved partner in all things.
Henry’s life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and quiet leadership. He will be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for the way he made people feel—valued, cared for, and seen.
He is deeply loved and forever remembered by his wife of 43 years, Bonnie Jo Smith; his sister, Sheila Amanda Smith; his daughter, Scarlett Leigh Wood and her husband Kevin; his granddaughter, Wesleigh Anne Wood; his son, Andrew Henry Smith IV and his wife Shellie; and his grandson, Andrew Henry Smith V. He leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and service that will live on in the many lives he touched. Hook ‘em Horns!
