Lynda Smith

J Lynda Smith

"Many are the plans in a person’s heart, But it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails" ~ Proverbs 19:21 ~

Lynda was born on May 30, 1953 in Amarillo, Texas to Benjamin F. Smith and Bonnie Frances Smith. Early on Lynda was gifted with a kind and generous nature and that remained her character throughout her life. She also possessed a joyous presence and quick wit enjoyed by friends, associates, and family.

Lynda graduated from Caprock High School in Amarillo in 1971. She continued her education receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Texas and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University School of Law. She was a member of the State Bar of Texas and licensed to practice law before the Supreme Court of the State of Texas and the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas. Her true life’s work began with her solo law practice and continued until her retirement. Her dedication and generosity to her clients guided the entirety of her career.

Lynda limited her practice to family law and criminal law and was accomplished at both. During a two year span she obtained 12 consecutive jury verdicts of not guilty for her clients in courts ranging from Municipal Court to the US District Court. She was admired by her colleagues and respected by the courts. 

Senior District Judge John Board had this to say: “Lynda was an amazing woman. An incredible lawyer who mixed intelligence with impeccable ethics and a warm, civil demeanor. She was a fierce champion for her clients and will be missed by all.”

Judge Carry Baker remarked: “A great friend, lawyer and advocate for animals without a voice and individuals with limited ability to advocate for themselves. A true champion of unsung or unpopular ideals. I will miss her greatly.”

District Judge and Presiding Judge of the Ninth Administrative Judicial Region Ana Estevez offered this about Lynda: “Lynda was one of the most compassionate family lawyers I had the privilege to know. Her presence brightened every room (and courtroom) she entered. She was always prepared and ready to advocate for her clients, especially the children. She was loved and admired by all.”

Lynda’s contributions to her community were not limited to her professional endeavors. She was an animal lover and dedicated time to serve on the board of the Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society. She also served on the board of Panhandle Aids Support Organization and was a fundraising and event planning volunteer for various Amarillo non-profits and a proud member of the ACLU. 

In 2007, after a 10 year courtship, Lynda accepted the marriage proposal of the love of her life Richard Dambold. Lynda and Richard were married on March 3, 2007 by Monsignor Joseph Tash at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Amarillo. Lynda’s beautiful soul will continue to be recognized and cherished by her husband Richard, sisters Joyce Orr and husband David of Austin and Janice Larkan and husband Eddie of Amarillo, brothers Ben Smith and wife Josie of Amarillo and Jim Smith and wife Jane of Austin; brother in law John Anderson and wife Diane of Sarasota, Florida; and stepdaughters Ashlee Glasscock of Pecos, NM and Ashley Dambold of Allen, TX. Extended family includes niece Shelley Cunningham and her family of Canyon, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Stan Smith.

The family is grateful for the excellent and loving care provided by her caregiver Terry Renshaw.

Though she will be missed by many, perhaps the one missing her most is her constant K9 companion Little Man. Lynda rescued him from an alley and he meant the world to her.

Memorial contributions in Lynda’s name are recommended to the Amarillo Panhandle Humane Society, PO Box 30102, Amarillo 79120 or the Ronald McDonald House.

A gravesite tribute will be held at a future date.