We are saddened to announce the death of Cullen Smith, a long-time attorney
and named partner of Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC. A pioneer in
modern law firm management, he died at the age of 96, leaving behind an
inimitable legacy.
Cullen was an attorney known and respected throughout the legal community
in Texas, and internationally. In the words of our founder Wilford Naman,
“Cullen’s mind went to the heart of the matter”. Cullen’s
life was a demonstration of the power of servant leadership in both his
personal and professional lives.
He was a World War II veteran, having served in the Marines. Cullen’s
commitment to service and leadership extended through his legal career,
including the Texas State Bar President from 1978-1979, founding member
and chairman of the American Law Firm Association, and past chair of the
Texas Bar Foundation. Over the course of his public service Cullen was
involved in civic service for the City of Waco and leading a delegation
to negotiate with the North Vietnamese in Paris over the treatment of
prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. A selfless leader, invested in
mentoring the new generations of young attorneys, he will be remembered
for his gracious demeanor and innovative leadership.
Cullen’s leadership was crucial to the growth and present-day success
of Naman Howell Smith & Lee, PLLC. We are truly grateful for his dedicated
service to the firm, and he will be dearly missed. Cullen Smith began
his time with Naman Howell in 1953, becoming partner in 1955, and eventually
retiring from the firm in 2002.
He is survived by his wife Ann, and his daughters Sallie, Risher, and Elizabeth,
four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Graveside service will occur on Saturday, April 30th at 11:00 AM at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas.
To view a more complete story of Cullen and his achievements, please see
the attached
obituary.
For further information on his legacy, please see the attached
Waco Tribune Herald article.