Preston Smith (governor) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Preston Smith
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| 40th Governor of Texas | |
| In office January 21, 1969 – January 16, 1973 |
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| Lieutenant | Ben Barnes |
| Preceded by | John Connally |
| Succeeded by | Dolph Briscoe |
| 35th Lieutenant Governor of Texas | |
| In office January 15, 1963 – January 21, 1969 |
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| Governor | John Connally |
| Preceded by | Ben Ramsey |
| Succeeded by | Ben Barnes |
| Member of the Texas Senate from the 28th district |
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| In office January 8, 1957 – January 8, 1963 |
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| Preceded by | Kilmer B. Corbin |
| Succeeded by | H. J. "Doc" Blanchard |
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 119th district |
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| In office January 9, 1945 – January 9, 1951 |
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| Preceded by | Hop Hasley |
| Succeeded by | Waggoner Carr |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Preston Earnest Smith
March 8, 1912 Corn Hill (now Jarrell), Texas, U.S. |
| Died | October 18, 2003 (aged 91) Lubbock, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Texas State Cemetery (Austin, Texas) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Ima Mae Smith
(m. 1935; died 1998) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Texas Tech University (BBA) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, politician |
Preston Earnest Smith (born March 8, 1912 – died October 18, 2003) was an American businessman and politician. He served as the 40th governor of Texas from 1969 to 1973. Before becoming governor, he was the lieutenant governor from 1963 to 1969. He was a member of the Democratic Party.
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Preston Smith's Early Life
Smith was born in Corn Hill, Texas, which is now part of Jarrell. His family were tenant farmers, and he was one of 13 children. Later, his family moved to Lamesa, Texas, where he finished high school in 1928.
In 1934, he graduated from Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University) in Lubbock. He earned a degree in business. After college, he stayed in Lubbock and started his own movie theater business. He also invested in real estate.
Preston Smith's Political Journey
Preston Smith began his political career in 1944. He was first elected to the Texas House of Representatives. Later, in 1956, he was elected to the Texas State Senate.
Becoming Governor of Texas
Smith became governor on January 21, 1969. His inauguration day was a big celebration! The Texas Tech University marching band led the parade. A masked Red Raider rode with the band. Governor Smith and his wife, who both went to Texas Tech, followed in a convertible. Even the Lamesa High School band, from Smith's old school, marched in the parade.
Before he took his oath, there was a special dinner. His oath was the first one ever shown on TV in Texas history.
Challenges in Office
In 1971 and 1972, Governor Smith faced some challenges. There was a situation involving financial dealings that caused difficulties for him. Because of these issues, he was not re-elected for a third term as governor. He lost to Dolph Briscoe in the 1972 Democratic primary election.
