Businessman who was a friend and golfing buddy of Ben Hogan dies [Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Texas]

July 09--FORT WORTH -- Golf legend Ben Hogan once said, "As you walk down the fairway of life, you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round."

Gene Smyers, a friend and golfing buddy of Hogan's, played his round with kindness and generosity, friends and family said.

Mr. Smyers died Saturday of throat cancer. He was 84.

"It's bittersweet," said Judy Lankton, Mr. Smyers' daughter. "I had him longer than most people are blessed to be with their best friend."

Gene Warren Smyers was born July 1, 1926, to Fred and Julia Smyers in Fort Worth. During World War II, he joined the Navy at age 17. He served in the Navy Air Corps and was trained in the V-12 Navy College Training program, said his wife, Ann Smyers.

Mr. Smyers graduated from Texas Christian University in 1947 with a bachelor's degree.

"For the rest of his life, he bled purple," Ann Smyers said.

In the early 1950s, Mr. Smyers was running his own insurance company, and he joined local community organizations and clubs. He was a charter member of the Shady Oaks Country Club and a regular at the River Crest Country Club.

Through his work and his community involvement, Mr. Smyers became well-connected in Fort Worth, making friends with prominent lawyers, judges and businessmen. Mr. Smyers' customers trusted him and many also enjoyed playing golf with him, recalled friend Dee Kelly, a Fort Worth lawyer.

Golf was a lifelong passion for Mr. Smyers, who didn't stop playing until he turned 80, friend Albert McDowell of Fort Worth said.

Mr. Smyers' most famous golf buddy was Hogan.

"Most days, they were around the big roundtable at Shady Oaks telling stories," Ann Smyers said.

In the 2000 oral history book I Remember Ben Hogan, Mr. Smyers told writer Mike Towle: "I met him at River Crest back in the fifties. I had the unusual experience of beating him the first time I ever played him."

Family members said that feat was never repeated.

Mr. Smyers sold his company in 1975. He continued working in the insurance business until January, however, Lankton said. He also continued his work in the community.

"Pop was a generation that we're losing," Lankton said. "You work hard. You don't complain. You do your job, and you be part of the community. You give. You give. You give."

Other survivors include sons Gary Smyers of San Diego and Ted Smyers of Irving, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

AMAN BATHEJA, 817-390-7695

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