Vernon “Dude” Smith, Jr.

Bareback, Saddle Bronc, & Bull Rider Steer Wrestler & Cowboy’s Turtle Association Card #159 Roper
1928-2019

Vernon “Dude” Smith, Jr. was born on June 24, 1928, in Carrolton, Texas to Vernon and Jewel Smith.  He attended his first rodeo when he was 13 years old and knew that the rodeo life was calling him.

            Smith started riding at county fairs and later entered local rodeos around the Dallas area.  His first large rodeo was in Fort Worth in 1945.  Dude started out riding bulls and soon added bareback, saddle bronc, and bulldogging.  In addition to competing in rodeos Dude served as arena director for several producers in the 50s and 60s.  In 1951 Smith went to Mexico City and Cuba to help produce rodeos there.  When the Cowboys Turtle Association (later RCA) was formed in 1944, Smith was one of the original members and holds card number 159.

            Dude first competed in the West of the Pecos Rodeo in 1947 in bareback, saddle bronc, bull riding, and steer wrestling.  He entered those events in Pecos for the next 5-6 years.  From 1949 until he slowed down (somewhat) in 1966, Smith won many, many awards.  Winning the All-Around was his specialty.  Dude often said he lived his life in 8-second intervals, the time you try to stay on a horse or bull.  A tougher contestant could not be found. 

            Dude married Frances Crane and together they had one son, Vernon N., who made the NFR in Bull Riding in 1980.  Vernon N. is married to LaDawn Primrose Smith and they have one daughter, Sage.  Frances was a very accomplished horsewoman, competing at the NFR in barrel racing several times.

            Vernon “Dude” Smith, Jr., was inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame on Friday, June 29, 2018. 

Since being inducted Dude passed away on July 3, 2019.