Robert Hammond “Butch” Smith, 83, of Paris passed away Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Paris Regional Medical Center under the care of On Call Home Health & Hospice after a lengthy stay at Legend Healthcare & Rehab.
Cremation is under the care and direction of Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home.
Butch was born on July 1, 1942, in Paris, Texas, to Robert Joseph and Maudie Wright Smith.
A graduate of Paris High School in 1960, Butch married Wilda LaJuan Dennie, in 1961. He also served his country as a member of the National Army Reserve, beginning in 1960.
After attending Oak Cliff Barber College in 1962, Butch began his lifelong career at Center Barber Shop in 1963. He became the owner in 1976 and served the community until his retirement in 2021. Over his remarkable 60+ years as a barber, Butch had the privilege of giving countless first haircuts and serving multiple generations of loyal customers who continued to visit his barber chair until he retired.
In his younger days, Butch was often found at the drag strip, indulging his passion for racing alongside his brother-in-law, George Locke. After his racing days, he split his time between the barber shop and the golf course, a game he cherished until health problems sidelined him in 2018. In his later years, he found comfort watching his favorite teams, the Rangers and Cowboys, and enjoying Westerns on television.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Joseph and Maudie Wright Smith, and his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy Smith Locke and George Locke.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years, LaJuan Smith, his daughter and son-in-law, Paula and Ben Alsup, grandchild, Jackson Alsup, sister-in-law, Liz Kirby and brother-in-law, Joe Dennie.
There will be no formal service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paris Education Foundation or Children’s Advocacy Center of Paris.
