State Bar of Texas past President Cullen Smith Jr., 96, died April 16, 2022. He served as president of the State Bar of Texas from 1978 to 1979.

After graduating high school in 1943, Smith served in the U.S. Marine Corps until 1946. A native of Waco, he received his law degree from Baylor University and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1950. Smith then practiced law in Welasco from 1950 to 1953, before returning to his hometown and joining the law firm of Naman, Howell, Smith, Lee & Muldrow. He first served as managing partner, president, chairman, head of the trial section, and was counsel to the firm until his death. Smith was also a Waco City Council member from 1983 to 1985.