October 27, 2026
East Texas Baptist University and B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary mourn the passing of William A. “Budd” Smith, a founding faculty member of B. H. Carroll whose work in theological education helped establish the seminary in 2004.
Dr. Smith was among four educators who helped establish B. H. Carroll with a vision for making graduate theological education accessible to pastors and ministry leaders. The seminary was founded to equip men and women for Christian ministry while allowing them to continue serving in their local churches and communities.
Before helping establish B. H. Carroll, Smith served for more than two decades on the faculty of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. He taught in foundations of education and directed the seminary’s Oxford Study Program from 1987 to 2003. He also held the J. M. Price Chair of Religious Education beginning in 1997.
ETBU’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Thomas Sanders, shared about how Dr. Smith’s approach to teaching reflected his commitment to investing in others. Even in large classes, he made an effort to know his students and affirm their gifts.
“I often hear today’s students describe the impact of a faculty member who ‘sees me,’” Dr. Sanders said. “That phrase perfectly captures my experience with Dr. Budd Smith. I was a student in two of his large Christian Education classes, and I rarely spoke up. Yet, in both classes, Dr. Smith saw me. He recognized my work, affirmed my potential, and made me feel known even in a large classroom. More than simply teaching the principles of Christian education, he embodied them. Dr. Smith modeled what it means to invest in students, recognizing not only who they are but also who they can become.”
Throughout his career, Smith contributed to the preparation and development of Christian educators and ministry leaders. His academic background included a Ph.D. and a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown College in Kentucky.
Dr. Smith's influence extended beyond the classroom and into the lives of fellow ministers he mentored and encouraged. Dr. Diane Lane, who served alongside him at East Meadows Baptist Church in Fort Worth, recalled the impact he had on her faith and ministry.
“Dr. Smith was the Interim Minister of Education at the first church I served,” Dr. Lane said. “He was the perfect example of a Minister of Education because he understood and supported all areas of Christian Education. He knew what should happen each Sunday in the preschool, children, youth, and adult areas. He mentored the younger ministers, so we understood the importance of actual learning taking place. He was present and valued everyone he encountered. From the older to the younger individuals, Dr. Smith knew and demonstrated God's love to them. Dr. Smith had a deep, profound impact on my life as a believer, a spouse, and a minister because he lived out his calling to be Christ's example to all.”
B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary became part of East Texas Baptist University in 2024, continuing its mission of preparing leaders for service in the church and the world.
“Dr. Budd Smith helped establish B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary with a conviction that theological education should be both academically rigorous and deeply connected to the life and ministry of the local church," Dean of B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary Dr. David Ritsema said. "His vision helped shape an institution that continues to equip men and women for faithful Christian service. As we carry that mission forward at East Texas Baptist University, we remain grateful for his leadership, his commitment to students, and the lasting legacy he leaves to generations of ministers.”
The University is pleased to have Dr. Smith’s grandson, Braylon, as a sophomore criminal justice major. ETBU and B. H. Carroll extend their condolences to Dr. Smith’s family, friends, colleagues, and the many students and ministry leaders whose lives were influenced by his work.