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Ralph J. “Dusty” Smith passed away October 26, 2009 in Hamlin, Texas after a brief illness. He was born June 20, 1938 in Rockford, Illinois, the son of the late Manuel and Marie Smith Gaminde. Dusty attended San Antonio College, Texas A & I of Kingsville, Texas A & M, and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Cooking was his passion. He explored those skills from Rockport to Austin and then came to Blanco County where he is remembered for his work at the Hill Country Cupboard and his countless hours of volunteer work with the LBJ National Park. He especially enjoyed being one of Santa’s helpers, and his activities with the First Baptist Church in Johnson City. He served for many years with the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.

He later moved to West Texas where he was employed as the Headquarter’s caretaker and cook of the Stasney Cook Ranch and then spent several years managing the public school systems cafeteria programs there. He was most recently employed by French Robertson Prison Unit of Abilene.

Dusty was the best of a cowboy’s traits — an honorable gentleman, a man strong in his convictions, a loyal friend, he loved Texas and God.

“Uncle Dusty” became a member of our families. Services were held November 5th at the First Baptist Church in Hamlin with the Reverend D. Harbers, and burial was in the Hamlin East Cemetery Veterans Memorial Section.

Pallbearers were the Texas Dept. of Corrections Prison System Color Guard.

Dusty was a member of the Disciples on Cycles, Christian Motorcycle Association Chapter 123. A memorial ride for Dusty is to take place Saturday, November 14th.

All are welcome to meet at the First Baptist Church in Anson, Texas and then ride to the Albany Ice House for lunch.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dusty’s name may be sent to the First Baptist Church in Hamlin and the Disciples on Cycles, CMA Chapter 123.