Remembering Cullen Smith 1925 - 2022
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.