Obituaries

11/04/1930 – 11/07/2020

Betty Esther Bock, 90, a long-time resident of Highland and University Park, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 7, 2020, due to complications from a recent accident. Born in Phoenix, AZ, she is survived by 4 of her six children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Betty was devoted to her children and passionate about art, music, and literature. She was a strong Christian. She never drank but said that she would learn to enjoy drinking wine in heaven. “Cheers, Betty!” A service will be held for her at a later date at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Richardson.

KIRBY HARDY SMITH

07/14/1960 – 03/05/2021

Kirby Hardy Smith, 60, of Dallas, TX, died March 5, 2021, in a tragic skiing accident in Big Sky, MT. Kirby is survived by his devoted family: wife, Stephanie, and sons, Aidan and Weston, all of Dallas; brother, Ray Smith of Bryant, AR; sister, Sharon Short of Bryant, AR; niece, Cally Adcock and her husband, Cory of Cave Springs, AR; nephew, Drew Short of Bentonville, AR; and two great-nephews, Ferguson Adcock and Fitz Adcock of Cave Springs, AR.; mother-in-law, Jean Alston; father-in-law, Thomas J. Alston both of Texarkana, TX; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Alston Sheehan; brother-in-law, Paul Sheehan and their sons, Connor and Avery, all of Port Orchard, WA.

Kirby was born July 14, 1960, in Nashville, TN, the son of Wanda Hardy Smith and Noel Ray Smith. He was predeceased by his parents as well as his grandparents, Floye and Deane Hardy, Sr., and Lillian and Nathaniel Smith.

Kirby graduated from Bryant High School in Bryant, AR, and earned his bachelor of arts degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN. He received his MBA in finance and accounting from Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Since 2005, Kirby worked at Barrow Hanley Global Investors in Dallas, serving most recently as managing director and client portfolio manager. Before joining Barrow Hanley, Kirby served as managing director of institutional equity sales for Bear Stearns. Prior to joining Bear Stearns, he worked at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette, and Lehman Brothers.

Before his investment banking career, Kirby held positions in public accounting and corporate finance. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Certified Financial Analyst Society of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Kirby played as hard as he worked, if not harder. He loved researching and collecting Klipsch speakers, his early-morning tennis matches before work, dirt bike racing, golf, skiing (water and snow), boating and riding his jet skis on the lake, and riding his motorcycles. He was passionate about watching all Arkansas Razorbacks games – football, basketball, and baseball – and Dallas Stars hockey.

But nothing gave him more pleasure and satisfaction than spending time with and providing love and support to his family – both immediate and extended – and his legions of loyal, longtime friends.

A celebration of Kirby’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 12, at Park Cities Presbyterian Church in Dallas, with a reception to follow at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, the same location where Stephanie and Kirby welcomed family and friends to their wedding reception more than 28 years ago.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Klipsch Museum of Audio History – https://www.klipschmuseum.org/donations – or the ministry of your choice.

01/26/1931 – 03/07/2021

Robert Rogers Williams, 90, died peacefully Sunday, March 7, 2021, in Ridgeland, MS. He was a kind, honest, gentle man who loved God, his country, and his family.

Born January 26, 1931, in Jefferson, TX, to the late Robert Leon and Texie Rogers Williams, his lineage traces back to Texas land grant settlers. His grandfather, B.B. Rogers, served as Sheriff of Jefferson. In his high school years, Robert was captain of the Jefferson Bulldogs football team, playing both quarterback as well as defense, and was on the baseball team, too -- all the while graduating as Salutatorian and voted Class Favorite.

The first member of his family to attend college, Bob graduated from The University of Texas in Austin with a B.S. in Geology in 1953. Through the G.I. program, he drilled water wells in France at Dreux AFB as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and courted his hometown sweetheart and future wife, Robin Richey, who was studying music in nearby Paris. They married June 17, 1956, achieving 64 anniversaries, frequently holding hands and telling each other how much they loved each other.

That same year he began work with Humble Oil (later Exxon) in Grand Isle, LA. Friends joked that he reported to offshore oil well supervision with a briefcase in one hand and his fishing rod in the other. He celebrated all three of their daughters’ births in New Orleans, while he gained the title of Division Exploration Staff Geologist. In 1968 Robert and Robin relocated to Dallas as he became Manager of Texas Offshore Exploration for General American Oil. Through his career, he was Chief Geologist with W.R Grace Natural Resources; Vice President of Exploration for May Petroleum, was a founder of Woodbine Petroleum, and then started his consultancy with several clients and was one of the first to gain his Environmental Certification. Being involved in the oil business was a thrill for him. He was extremely active in the AAPG, SIPES, DGGS, the Houston Geological Society, and the Dallas Geological Society, serving as a Vice President of the DGS.

He was skilled in many sports and hobbies but remained humble. He would return from convention tennis tournaments saying he “played alright” but later unpacked silver trophies engraved with his name as the champion. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, having left-handedly shot an award-winning elk in Wyoming (he was right-handed!) in his first hour of the trip while cleaning his glasses, saying good-naturedly, “I had nothing to do with this. He just appeared before me!” Having a trademark chuckle, a twinkle in his eye, and a quick smile, he loved a good joke and a long yarn.

Far beyond his career, his wife, daughters, family, and faith in Jesus were most important. He patiently taught hunting, football, driving, and map-reading skills to his three girls. A big fan of the all-American road trip, he hit the brakes at almost every road cut or “Hysterical Marker.” He was a loyal friend, a lifetime reader, and learner, and had served as a Trustee for Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas and was active in the Wesleyan Fellowship Class.

He and Robin moved to Jackson, MS, in 2014 to be close to their eldest daughter Claire’s family and joined Holy Trinity Anglican Church.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his younger brother, Jerry L. Williams. He is survived by his wife Robin; his beloved daughters; Claire Williams Aiken (Richard) of Jackson, MS, Alison W. Hogan Vinson (Wade) of Houston, TX and Susan Williams Haas (John) of Austin, TX; grandchildren Robert Aiken (Corey) of Jackson, Elizabeth “Beth” Aiken Hudspeth (Seth) of Jackson; Claire Hogan, Rob Hogan, and Lauren Hogan, all of Austin, TX; Andrew Haas (Eliana) of Long Island City, NY, and Erin Haas and Benjamin Haas, both of Austin, TX, as well as five great-grandchildren.

The family gathered for a memorial service in Jefferson, TX, on March 13, 2021. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in his honor to be sent to Holy Trinity Anglican Church of 432 Bozeman Rd, Madison, MS 39110.

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BRIGGS FREEMAN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

In Highland Park, Three Homes in One

4549 Westway Avenue, represented by Ashley Akin Pearl for $1,695,000.

The charming duplex at 4549 Westway Avenue in Highland Park is a tremendous investment opportunity. In the John S. Bradfield Elementary school district and close to Whole Foods and Highland Park Village, this property — a handsome brick home built in the 1940s, with wonderfully large multipaned windows — offers three units in all.

The downstairs unit has a large primary bedroom suite with a large closet and a spacious bathroom with a separate tub and shower. There is a wall of windows in the sizable living room and cozy den with a fireplace.

The upstairs unit features two bedrooms, two baths and a covered patio.

The third unit is over the garage, with a kitchenette and large closet.

This is not your typical duplex! Just one idea: Live in one unit and lease the other two, to offset the mortgage. There are so many options here. 4549 Westway Avenue in Highland Park is represented by Ashley Akin Pearl for $1,695,000.

Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty, founded in the Park Cities in 1960, represents luxury homes, high-rises, ranches, land and commercial properties. Its briggsfreeman. com website is a cutting-edge portal featuring properties, neighborhoods, schools, virtual tours, architecture guides and more.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN URBAN

9110 Rockbrook Drive 5 Bed | 6.2 Bath | 7,596 SqFt. Offered for 3,650,000

Designed by Richard Drummond Davis, this French Transitional custom home blends traditional Austin stone exterior with timeless contemporary finishes. Museum finished walls, cased openings and exquisite mill and tile work are throughout. 1st floor owners’ suite has a vaulted ceiling with wood beams, dream closet, fireplace and a private patio. Open gourmet kitchen features large island, marble countertops, Ann Sacks tile and Thermador Professional Appliances. The adjoining covered patio with outdoor kitchen and fireplace leads to a Harold Leidner designed custom pool and beautifully landscaped yard. Upstairs is a large central game room, a media room with kitchen and 4 bedrooms, all accessible by elevator. 3 car garage completes an amazing lifestyle opportunity. For more information please contact Robin Webster, 214-543-8963.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Million-Dollar Homes Selling Fast

The luxury home category in North Texas was one of the fastest-growing categories of residential sales in 2020. In fact, the Dallas-Fort Worth region outpaced Houston in the volume of homes sold at prices above $1 million.

According to the Texas Luxury Home Report, 2,130 homes valued at more than $1 million were sold in North Texas from November 2019 to October 2020. Despite the pandemic, that was an increase of more than 20 percent over the previous year.

Allie Beth Allman & Associates led North Texas again last year in the sale of homes and estates priced above $3 million, $4 million, $5 million and $6 million, according to MLS. ABA agents also sold more homes than any other brokerage in the premier neighborhoods of Preston Hollow, Highland Park and University Park combined.

Today’s luxury buyer is looking for a floor plan that accommodates a more flexible schedule that includes remote work and schooling, plus outdoor space that offers the perfect setting for afterhours rest and relaxation, small-scale entertaining (for now) and beautiful views.

For expert advice on luxury real estate in North Texas, the boutique firm of Allie Beth Allman & Associates is here to help. Visit alliebeth.com.

THE PERRY-MILLER STREIFF GROUP

Sophisticated Residence in Regent’s Park

Offered for $2,150 ,000, 2908 Hood features 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths all in 6,547 square feet.

This sophisticated residence is located in a private, gated enclave across from The Mansion and steps from the Katy Trail. 2908 Hood features exceptional construction quality complemented by exquisite finishes throughout and elevator access to each level.

The gourmet island kitchen is equipped with premium series stainless appliances and opens to the keeping room with a terrace. Four en-suite bedrooms are located on split levels including separate his-and-hers marble baths and closets in the Master suite.

Other features include a third-floor study adjacent to the Master bedroom and a game room (third living area) that opens to a large rooftop terrace with outdoor fireplace and city views. 2908 Hood is a very special property offering an incredible opportunity in the Turtle CreekMansion Park area.

Contact Laura Michelle (laura@daveperrymiller. com : 214.228.3854) for more information or visit DPMFineHomes.com.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Relocation Buyers Looking for Homes, Firm Reports

The start of a new year means another influx of people moving to Dallas. While the fourth quarter is often considered an off season for homebuying, that wasn’t the case last year, according to the experts at Allie Beth Allman & Associates.

If you are planning to sell your home, keep in mind that it needs to connect emotionally with buyers. They want homes updated, move-in ready homes. Inside, put all the clutter away and freshen up the paint. Outside paint should be touched up as well. Make sure the landscaping is up to par by trimming those trees, plants and bushes. The impression it gives will influence a prospective buyer’s opinion of the rest of the property. A consultation with a qualified real estate agent is the best place to start your preparations.

Corporate relocations are not the only thing driving people to Dallas. During the first quarter, scores of families seek out premiere neighborhoods so they can live close to the best schools. These buyers often use the holiday season to begin their search.

Whether for work or family dynamics, all signs point to more people moving Dallas. It is imperative that sellers begin preparing their home today for prospective buyers.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Find a Home on the Allie Beth Allman & Associates Exclusive List

Reading the news might give you the impression that you can’t find a home on the market that meets your needs – but that’s not the big picture.

New listings in sought-after neighborhoods are announced every day via the Allie Beth Allman & Associates exclusive list. Homes not found through an online search.

Some sellers want to avoid online searches for various reasons, including privacy or a desire to limit access during the pandemic. Other sellers, reacting to a fast-paced market like today’s, want their homes announced as soon as possible, often before information can be entered into the MLS database that feeds online searches.

That’s where the Allman team’s strong communication network comes into play. These 400+ agents announce office exclusives up to the minute with each other.

According to one client, an Allman agent’s connections are critical to finding a home today:

“This market moves fast and we were competing with dozens of offers on homes we found through the online searches. But our agent found us a home in a great neighborhood before it even hit the market. Our agent made it happen.”

To connect with an agent, visit alliebeth.com.

EBBY HALLIDAY

New Ebby Home-Search App Now Available

Ebby Halliday Realtors’ new app means your new home could be just a tap away.

“With our new app, MLS listings across North Texas are in the palm of your hand,” says Travis Mathews, vice president of Strategic Growth & Technology for the Ebby Halliday Companies. “Our primary goal for this release was providing consumers with the most intuitive mobile real estate experience possible.”

Whether you’re shopping by price, location or aesthetics, as a user of the new Ebby app you’ll find it’s easier than ever to browse homes for sale.

“Our new mobile app provides access to real-time property information and smart messaging tools,” Mathews says. “It makes it easy to connect with your agent from any mobile device, as well as create saved searches and add favorites at your convenience. Simply put, our mobile-first home search with built-in chat makes collaboration fast, easy and fun.”

The new Ebby Halliday app seamlessly integrates with ebby.com so your saved searches and favorited properties sync between the app and websites. The Ebby Halliday Realtors app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play. Download the app today for free and experience modern home searching with ease.

ALLIE BETH ALLMAN

Best of The Allmanac: What’s Happening in DFW Real Estate

Market knowledge is the key to success in today’s real estate market. Each week, Allie Beth Allman & Associates analysts compile an executive summary of industry insights through The Allmanac newsletter.

Here’s what you need to know:

North Texas led the state in 2020 home purchases. Statewide, real estate agents sold 363,615 houses, an all-time high and an increase of 9.5 percent from 2019. DFW real estate agents sold 112,545 of those houses.

The number of non-Texans looking to make a move into the Lone Star State has doubled in the past year, a recent survey found. Where are they coming from? Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle, to name a few places. Texas has been a top state for relocation for many companies and has only increased during the pandemic.

Rising home prices are starting to worry some policymakers. Home prices in January, usually a slow month in real estate, were up 14 percent over the same period last year. Low inventory and low mortgage rates coupled with high demand are driving the increase. U.S. Senate Banking Chair Sherrod Brown of Ohio says flat wages and rising home prices may price many potential homebuyers out of the market.

To register for The Allmanac newsletter: alliebeth. com/registerfornews