Dent Howard Smith II

Dent Howard Smith, II, age 63, died unexpectedly at his home in Mansfield, TX on April 17, 2018 surrounded by his wife, daughter and beloved grandson. Dent was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on October 12, 1954 to Dent Howard Smith and Ella Faye Smith, who both preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by a baby daughter, Concetta Marie Smith. At his death, Dent was the Vice-President of Operations for Methodist Mansfield Medical Center in Mansfield, Texas. Prior to joining Methodist, Dent served as Vice-President of Ancillary Services for Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. Dent earned an MHA from Webster University in Louisville, KY, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Radiologic Technology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from The University of Central Arkansas. Dent was also a Certified Public Accountant. Dent spent the first 35 years of his career at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated there as a Radiologic Technologist in 1977 and worked the 10 pm to 7 am ER shift while polishing his skills in tennis, basketball, and the torment of his nephews by stealing their piggy banks and playing with their Christmas toys before they were opened. Dent's positions at CHI St. Vincent included Director of Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Laboratory. Dent was an inaugural recipient of the Sister Margaret Blanford Award for the CHI St. Vincent leader who most embodied the core values of reverence, integrity, compassion and respect. The happiest day of Dent's life was when Faye was born. He was the best Dad in the world. Dent devoted his life to her and bringing her along in her career. Faye wrote the following tribute, "Dad was my rock, my support, my shoulder to lean on. Finn was the sun in his sky. Dad spoke of Finn as if he were his own son. Dad told me once that Finn wasn't his son but was as good as his own." "Dad conducted himself with both professional and personal integrity in all his endeavors. He always told me the greatest joy in his life and his best accomplishment was being my Dad. My heart is broken. I watched him pass from this life. I took the cross from his neck, which I am now wearing over my heart where he will always shine the brightest. Daddy, my hero - I love you, Dad." Dent lived a life devoted to service of others. He served his family as a wonderful husband and father. He served his employers as a dedicated and faithful employee. He served his church by working in every food pantry he could find, and volunteering in any capacity. Dent proved many times over that loyalty to family, intense drive, and overcoming odds through hard work were the foundations of living an abundant life. Dent was charming, magnetic, fiercely loyal, compassionate, generous, and humble. He was beyond grateful for the simple pleasures in life and his family. Dent is survived by his wife of 39 years, Maureen LoPorto Smith, his daughter, Elizabeth Faye Smith Porbeck, and his most dearly loved little grandson, Finn Alexander Porbeck. Dent is also survived by his sisters, Kathy Smith Lamb (Eddie), and Paula Smith Bramlett (Charles Ware), both of North Little Rock, Arkansas, and his nephews, John W. Bramlett, Jr. of North Little Rock, Arkansas and Nathan Dent Bramlett of Memphis, TN, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members. Funeral Mass will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday April 25, 2018 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 N Rodney Parham, Little Rock, Ark. At the family's request, instead of sending flowers, please donate to Dent's favorite charities, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, 500 East Dallas Street, Mansfield, TX 76063 or Mansfield Mission, 703 East Broad Street, Mansfield, TX 76063, or the charity of your choice.