TABLE OF CONTENTS

Overview of the Collection

Biographical Note

Scope and Contents

Index Terms

Administrative Information

Detailed Description of the Collection

Richard F. Smith Collection

Biographical Note

Richard F. Smith was born in Detroit, Mi. on July 7, 1938. He received his undergraduate degree from MIT in Industrial Management in 1960, and then received a law degree from Harvard Law School in 1963. After receiving his law degree, Mr. Smith served for two years in the United States Army from 1963-1965. He then moved to Dallas, TX in 1965 where he would begin to serve the community for many years.

After moving to Dallas, Richard Smith joined the law firm of Gardere and Wynne in July of 1965. He would later become a partner of the firm in October 1970 where he would remain until his death 1990. His legal specialization was in govermental relations and tax laws, both state and federal. During the mid 1970's he served on the Dallas City Council, from 1975-1980 he represented District 4 (Far North and Northeast Dallas). He became a very well liked politcal figure and was able to help pass many important muncipal programs that helped to improve the city. However, his largest contribution to Dallas came after his time on the city council. Beginning in 1984 as a member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors, and later becoming Vice Chairman in 1986, he was instrumental in creating a master rail plan for the city. He knew that the growth of the city depended on transportation, and work tirelessly to see the plan for a rail system through.

Mr. Smith was serving as General Counsel for the Republican Party of Texas at the time of his death. He passed away on January, 25, 1990 from congestive heart failure. He had been diagnosed several years previously with the rare disease amyloidosis.

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Scope and Contents

The collection contains materials from throughout the life of Richard Smith. There are personal items, identification cards, Army materials, political memorabilia, city council items, news clipping, correspondence, and photos.

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Index Terms

This record series is indexed under the following controlled access subject terms.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

MA10-10 Richard F. Smith Collection, Texas/Dallas History & Archives Division, Dallas Public Library

Processing Information

Processed by Jeff Parker

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Detailed Description of the Collection