It's been 3 weeks, and I'm not sure I have come to grips with this news. I met Tracy when I joined the GSM VO team at Nortel in 1991. Initially, he scared the s*** out of me. Imposing figure. 6'2"? Tattoos...rode a hog. Then, I got to know him. I swear it was the Tennessee in him, but what a sweetheart. I still remember his infectious laugh, his easy nature, his natural ability to manage, and his love for his family. Susan, we never met, but I know that you read the Dallas Morning News from cover to cover every Sunday. Prayers to you and your boys. God love you. God love Tracy. Hope to see you on the other side.

~ Doug Robinson - August 20, 2019

I AM SO VERY SHOCKED AND SADDENED BY THE NEWS OF TRACY'S PASSING. HE WAS A TREASURE OF A WONDERFUL FRIEND ALL THROUGH SCHOOL.I KNOW HE LOVED HIS FAMILY VERY MUCH. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL HE TOUCHED. PLEASE REMEMBER HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU!!!! IT IS SO HARD TO KNOW WHAT TO SDAY AT A TIME LIKE THIS. I HAVE WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF TRACY AND IN THIS WAY I CAN KEEP HIM ALIVE.. I AM PRAYING FOR YOU ALL!!!!

~ MEGAN CAMPBELL SUBLETT Sublett - August 9, 2019

So sad to just learn about Tracy’s passing. Tracy was a stand up well respected professional. I had the honor of working for him on Sprint Floodgate project at Ericsson. My thoughts and prayers of comfort are with the family during this time. He will be missed!

~ Malachi Kern - August 7, 2019

My deepest sympathies to Tracy's family. Like so many others, I was blessed to experience his wonderful personality working together at Ericsson. He was truly a special person and his passing leaves a void. I pray you all will be comforted by the memories so many have shared, and by the knowledge that Tracy was appreciated, respected and now missed.

~ Dedra Russell - August 6, 2019

Very sorry to hear we a lost such a good man. I always admired Tracy’s genuineness; he had a strong sense for right vs. wrong and held true to his principles. I also appreciated Tracy’s youthful enthusiasm and curiosity; I loved to talk to him about things he was passionate about and our shared interests.

My sincere condolences to Susan and his sons whom I remember him telling me about. I hope Tracy has left you with many fond memories and life lessons to carry on.

~ Richard Cane - August 3, 2019

So very sorry for your loss, Tony. Love, Roger & Pam

~ Roger & Pam Rayder - August 3, 2019

Many fond memories of Tracy and I loved that we had reconnected in recent years at the high school reunions in Winchester.

~ Hank Henderson - August 3, 2019

I was sorry to hear about Tracy. May God comfort the hearts of the family as only he can in times like this

~ Charles Gattis - August 2, 2019

I only got to know Tracy for about a year he was a nice and kind loving man. Rest In Peace. Ben I am sorry for your loss with your dad I love you and I am here from you.

~ Courtney Rollins - August 2, 2019

I had the pleasure of both working with Tracy (in a variety of companies) and also to have him as a career and life mentor. He was one of the kindest, most giving people I've met. He will be sorely missed, and I know he has a place in heaven.

~ Jason Gonzalez - August 2, 2019

My prayers are with the family as Tracy was an amazing leader and friend. I worked for and with Tracy daily for the past 4 years. We had daily conversations on everything from cars, trucks, lawn, music, spicy food, work and so much more. He was a hard working and passionate about his customers. He drove employees performance to their highest potential. Thank you Tracy for all the conversations. You will be missed.

~ Shawn Rivera - August 2, 2019

Please accept our condolences on the passing of Tracy.
We moved in next door last year so we only had the pleasure of knowing him for a short while. But in that time, we came to know him as a kind, thoughtful and generous neighbor. From day 1, he was very friendly, offered advice and even lent us his tools. Just few days ago, he gave us tips on lawn care and house maintenance so we are shocked to learn of his sudden passing. It's going to take us a while to fully come to terms with this loss. Tracy, you will be missed!

Megha and Andre Fernandes

~ Andre Fernandes - August 2, 2019

I am so sorry to hear about Tracy’s passing. Working with him at Nortel was so much fun. Even when the projects were stressful he was go great to work for.

~ Cynthia Nunnally - August 2, 2019

Tracy was a great guy and he will be missed by so many people. Tracy always had a smile on his face and a big bear hug; I have lots of fond memories, from many years back. I am so glad he was part of our family.
I shall always have the most recent memories with the fun trip to Vegas and my great cousins (that he coordinated).
My heart is breaking for us all ... he left us too soon.

Love,

Angie

~ Angie Anderson - August 2, 2019

I am very fortunate to have worked for Tracy. He was an excellent leader and teacher and conveyed this in multiple ways including his own discipline to his busy life; family, friends, business, BBQ, bike, etc. He always welcomed people at work with a smile and listening and sharing skills that I admire. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to know Tracy and he will always be remembered.

My prayers go to Susan and Tracy's family.

Gigi

~ Gigi Winston - August 2, 2019

I worked for Tracy for several years at Nortel in GSM TAS in the late 90s early 00s. Tracy was one of the best bosses I've ever worked for. He was easy to work for, his office door was always open, and he always had your back. We work MANY long nights and Tracy was always there. He truly cared about customer support and spread that to all who worked with him. He gave pats on the back freely which is a rare trait. I remember him coming to my house once to show me how to rebuild a carburetor, how many bosses would do that! While I haven't talked to Tracy in years I often shared stories of him and the "good old days" at Nortel. He will be missed!

~ David Paterson - August 2, 2019

Like so many others, I had the pleasure of working with Tracy for many years at Nortel. I received my first opportunity at management, followed by other promotions in the time we were there. He would never say someone worked "for" him, we all worked together. There were a lot of long nights and tense situations that took people around the globe to work through. But Tracy would always wind up being the spokesperson. He knew how to treat people, how to talk to them, and bring a sense of control and calm into the toughest of situations. He was larger than life in person, but had a soft spoken side you would not expect from a guy that could command respect from his size alone. It's been a decade since we worked together; some of the toughest times in my career. But they the best times as well.

Susan, Zack and Ben and the rest of the Smith family, I cannot fathom the loss you must feel. May God comfort you in the days to come.

With Love,
Russell Sparks

~ Russell Sparks - August 2, 2019

Like so many others, I had the pleasure of working with Tracy for many years at Nortel. I received my first opportunity at management, followed by other promotions in the time we were there. He would never say someone worked "for" him, we all worked together. There were a lot of long nights and tense situations that took people around the globe to work through. But Tracy would always wind up being the spokesperson. He knew how to treat people, how to talk to them, and bring a sense of control and calm into the toughest of situations. He was larger than life in person, but had a soft spoken side you would not expect from a guy that could command respect from his size alone. It's been a decade since we worked together; some of the toughest times in my career. But they the best times as well.

Susan, Zack and Ben and the rest of the Smith family, I cannot fathom the loss you must feel. May God comfort you in the days to come.

With Love,
Russell Sparks

~ Russell Sparks - August 2, 2019

My prayers are with Tracy's family as you deal with the loss of a great man. I was fortunate to work closely with Tracy for years. While I always valued and respected his telecom knowledge, I will forever remember the friendship we shared as we talked on a daily basis. When I wasn't learning something new about work, I was learning something new about cars, motorcycles, what type of wood chips you use to smoke bbq, how to fix an air conditioner, how to protest your property tax increases, etc. Tracy was very passionate about his job and knew exactly where to push to deliver great customer results. He was a kind soul with a large laugh and big smile. Your day always shined a little brighter after a conversation with Tracy. Sarah, Tracy and I shared great fellowship over our lunches together. It just won't be the same without him. I will always cherish our friendship.

~ Diane Whitaker - August 2, 2019

My prayers are with Tracy's family as you deal with the loss of a great man. I was fortunate to work closely with Tracy for years. While I always valued and respected his telecom knowledge, I will forever remember the friendship we shared as we talked on a day-to-day basis. When I wasn't learning something new about work, I was learning something new about cars, motorcycles, what type of wood chips you use to smoke bbq, how to fix an air conditioner, how to protest your property tax increases, etc. Tracy was very passionate about his job and knew exactly where to push to deliver great customer results. He was a kind soul with a large laugh and big smile. Your day always shined a little brighter after a conversation with Tracy. Sarah, Tracy and I shared great fellowship over our lunches together. It just won't be the same without him. I will always cherish our friendship.

~ Diane Whitaker - August 2, 2019

Tracy will be missed. While I never got to work directly with him, it was always nice to chat with him in the morning and occasionally at lunch. We are never ready to lose a friend. Tracy was a good friend. My condolences to his family. I will keep you in my prayers.

~ Art Lyles - August 2, 2019

There are so many places I could go with my memories of Tracy. We met a few weeks back, I think it was the summer of 1995 when I first moved to TX. I will just share one of my favorite Tracy Smithism's - ok 2. First one, he was fond of saying "Everyone used to be named Smith until they stole something, then they had to change their name." The second one was during all the times of layoff worries at Nortel. He would say "I just come to work every day and do my job, if they lay me off I will know it wasn't because I didn't do my job" You will be missed buddy!

~ Jeff Long - August 2, 2019

I didn't know Tracy personally, only met him a few times. But I know my husband (Chick) enjoyed working with Tracy at Nortel, sharing stories in the smoking area, and talking about motorcycles. My condolences to the family. I know Chick was probably there to meet Tracy and they're taking a ride on their bikes about now. Prayers for your comfort and healing.

~ Janon Elmer - August 2, 2019

Tracy was a hoot. We became friends right off. We had a lot in common, we liked bikes, bbq, and shared a love of family. We came into the office earlier than most and got to spend time talking over breakfast. Breaking bread with someone is a very big deal to me, if I eat with you it means we're truly friends. For about a year darn near every Friday Tracy would email me that "Breakfast is at my desk". Susan would make him two breakfast burritos to take to work. Mrs Smith makes a dang fine burrito. After a few months of Tracy sharing his breakfast I told him I wanted to send his wife a thank you card. He said "Are you crazy man? She thinks I'm eating both burritos! If she found out she'd stop making two.". Well, after a while Tracy said he finally told Susan that he was sharing his breakfast with me. She kept making two burritos, and the occasional hatch green chili bagels when they got some.

Tracy was one of the most non-plastic people I have ever met, I greatly respected and admired his honesty and integrity. He helped me through a lot of pain and loss. Tracy was the kind of guy that I wished I could have had as an older brother.

I want to thank Tracy's family for sharing him with me. He was and always will be my friend. I am a far better person because Tracy called me his friend.

~ Joseph Blackmore - August 2, 2019

So sad. Tracy was one of the nicest, most genuine and highly professional people that I have had the pleasure and great privilege to have known and worked with.

Jacqueline and I wish to send our deepest condolences to Tracy’s family; We are all richer for having known him.

Rest in peace my friend.

~ David & Jacqueline Knapton - August 2, 2019

Tracy was a great friend who's smile and laughter I will truly miss. Thank you for your friendship, mentorship, and guidance over the years as I'm a much better person as a result. My prayers are with your family and my thoughts are with you. -marcus

~ Marcus Snider - August 2, 2019

My telecom career started when Tracy hired me at Nortel. Over the years he did it twice more, apparently he wasn't done with me. Maybe he enjoyed my storytelling, who knows, but he listened intently to them all. That's one of Tracy's many leadership qualities - he took the time to listen. As many others can attest, his storytelling was engaging, entertaining, and often deep. Recently my manager at Ericsson who also worked with Tracy at Nortel said he had a special project for me and to set up a call with Tracy. I nearly fell out of my chair. It shouldn't surprise anyone that immediately after the meeting Tracy called me back and we talked for nearly an hour, both of us missing our next meeting. I'll always be grateful for all of these talks, his patience and mentor-ship over the years, but it's the last talk with him that I'll always cherish. As we continue our journey we all carry a part of Tracy with us, and each of us is a better person because of that.

~ Eric Williams - August 2, 2019

Our early morning talks in the office will be missed. Thanks for being a good friend and listener.

~ Kevin Leslie - August 2, 2019

I first met Tracy at Nortel when I was in BNR support and he was in TAS. It seems like both yesterday and a million years ago. He and I became colleagues and then friends. I recall many escalations we worked together over the years, always with a laser like focus on the customer from Tracy, sometimes at odds with my desire to get more data for RCA! After a while and more experience, I too realized what Tracy knew all along... stop the pain as soon as possible for the customer. I still focus on that even today.
I will also never forget bringing Tracy to Ericsson and to Kansas. I warned him the hours were long and the client, Sprint, was tough, but he came anyway. ?? He told me several years later that he and his family really liked Kansas. Glenn and his family probably had alot to do with that.

Thank you Tracy for all the laughs, the lessons, and the feeling of caring you brought every day. My heart is both lighter because I knew you and heavier now that you're gone.

~ Chris Blackwood - August 2, 2019

I've had the pleasure of working with Tracy over the last several years at Ericsson. The work circumstances were precarious when we first met but it became evident quickly that he was a hard driving, fact driven and - above all- a well balanced and reasonable guy. Over time, we found many things we both had in common which we often discussed. I will miss those discussions with the big smiles/chuckles and above all - his endearing ability to work through any obstacle. Tracy, you will be dearly missed, RIP.

~ Joe Rogness - August 2, 2019

Tracy will be missed. There are not many like Tracy who gave 100% to the task and made his team better. The office will miss him because he showed us how to get stuff done while being very supportive. A great person. Our sympathies go out to his family. RIP Tracy.

~ Enda Flood - August 1, 2019

To Tracy's family - please accept my condolences and the prayers of my family. Have been feeling the shock and pain of losing Tracy this week. I've known Tracy from afar as I worked with him from San Diego. We near daily would have a discussion of some sort, mostly work related but sometimes beyond. Tracy was a good, kind and hard working man and is being missed by so many. So many people loved working with Tracy.
Bryan

~ Bryan Latimer - August 1, 2019

I will miss Tracy dearly. He was such a nice man. He always had a smile to share and his eyes lit up when he told us stories about his family, friends and trips. He was my support and sounding board through all the turmoil my husband went through with his heart issues and ablation process. Tracy always had a positive outlook on life. Our office will not be the same without him. Prayers for his family and friends during this difficult time. Deb Meiron - Ericsson

~ Deb Meiron - August 1, 2019

One of the fondest memories of have of Mr.Smith was when I first moved to Plano way back in 94' from South Dallas. I had absolutely no friends and soon met one of my best friends Zack Smith and he and Mrs. Smith and Ben were gracious and humble and invited me into their home as if I was family. he was always the first to ask me if my mom was ok if I stayed over the night or for a weekend. I will also fondly miss seeing him all around Plano riding his Harley while I was driving. I would catch Mr.Smith at a light from time to time and have to yell at the top of my lungs to have him hear me over the super loud rumble of the engine simply to say hello and ask how everyone was doing, LOL!! You will be greatly missed and I will always have the upmost respect for you and your family until I am no longer here. With much love and upmost respect to the fullest, I forever stay cordially yours. Hazor J. Galindo.

~ Hazor Galindo - August 1, 2019

Tracy would walk out with my husband and I after work and chat about motorcycles, trucks, and how our days went. It was a nice wind down from a long day.

~ Michele Bohnen - August 1, 2019

To the family of Tracy Smith,
It has been a pleasure to have known and worked with Tracy. I will cherish the memories, conversations, and partnerships Tracy shared in. Tracy was a decent and respectful colleague and positively impacted those who came in contact with him; he set high standards, showed appreciation for others, and valued others opinions. His leadership characteristics have cemented into the minds of those he engaged. Tracy will truly be missed but always remembered. Please accept my family's deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

~ David Jackson - August 1, 2019

When my business partner and I began working in Overland Park Tracy was one of the first people to welcome us. We quickly discovered that Tracy was a renaissance man, he had many interests and a truly deep knowledge of them all whether it be music, riding motorbikes, politics or smoking meat. You always felt better after speaking with Tracy, we will miss him immensely and our deepest condolences to the Smith family. Rudy & Jon

~ Rudy Pilotto - July 31, 2019

I lost a good friend & one of the best people I ever worked with during my time at Nortel. He was a big man, with a big heart, always there to help in times of challenge & need. He did the impossible to do stuff several times for me and always made it look easy, but it never was. A perfectionist, a team player, humble and caring. My prayers are for his family and although his loss is difficult to deal with I am consoled that Heaven is a better place. Jesus is welcoming Tracy with a smile & hug and surely saying “Job well done”.

~ Ron Centis - July 31, 2019

To Smith family.
I had the great blessing to have known Tracy over various years at Nortel. I will always remember him as the gentle giant that has the biggest heart I have known. He always was caring about others and I knew he always had my back. He was a great friend and colleague. I pray our Lord and savior Jesus has him in his arms and that our Lord comfort you for our loss of Tracy. Heaven is richer today because of Tracy’s presence. I know I will see him again . God bless

~ Alfred de Cardenas - July 31, 2019

I loved working for Tracy. He was always there to give a word of encouragement or a gentle reprimand. I loved to just sit and talk with him. He is a leader amount leaders but more so a friend for ever. Sorry to hear that you have taken that long ride so early.

~ David Cooper - July 31, 2019