Bradley Murval Smith's Obituary
Bradley Murval Smith passed away on October 12, 2014 in Dallas, Texas, an actuary and leader who served the last 14 years as chairman of Milliman, Inc., the world’s largest independent actuarial consulting firm, died October 12 while doing something he loved: Winning at tennis. He was 59. Brad was born on June 26, 1955, in Hinsdale, Illinois, and grew up in Crystal Lake, Illinois, graduating from Crystal Lake High School in 1973 and from the University of Illinois in 1977. On June 11, 1977, Brad married Karen Sheldon of Crystal Lake. The couple moved to Dallas that year and started a family in 1987 with the birth of their daughter Emily. Karen and Brad enjoyed 37 years of marriage and had already begun planning for Brad’s retirement next summer. Brad always put family first, even scheduling work around Emily’s sports events and various travels. And still he somehow managed to carve out a storied career as an actuary. He worked for several Dallas-based insurance companies early in his career until his flair for leadership earned him the role of vice president and chief actuary at J.C. Penney Life Insurance Company. In 1986, Brad joined Milliman, where he built the Dallas life and health insurance consulting practice. Brad’s unique combination of uncompromising commitment to high-quality work, unflinching integrity, and strategic vision caught the eye of his Milliman partners nationwide. He was elected to the firm’s board of directors in 1996, and elected chairman of the board in 2000, a position he held until his death. On Brad’s watch, Milliman grew into a global organization and tripled its revenues. Brad’s commitment to the actuarial profession extended beyond Milliman. He served as president of the Society of Actuaries for the 2011-2012 term, and has been an emeritus trustee of the Actuarial Foundation Board since 2004. He was a prolific publisher and public speaker who traveled the world, making friends and earning admirers wherever he went. Brad pursued every endeavor with enthusiasm. He loved playing tennis, working out, listening to classic rock and Motown, and walking the boardwalk in San Diego, where his family would often vacation. Despite living in Dallas for most of his adult life, Brad never lost his avid allegiance to Chicago sports teams. Brad is survived by his wife Karen Smith of Dallas; his daughter Emily Fehlbaum and son-in-law Ky Fehlbaum, currently living in Paris; his sister Kim Copeland of Crystal Lake; his sister and brother-in-law Kris and Dan Cysewski of Crystal Lake; his nieces and nephews Scott and Stacy Copeland, Chad and wife Shelby, Kacie, Dylan, and Maddy Cysewski; and his two beloved dogs, Bailey and Riley. He was predeceased by his parents Murval and Carol Smith. The family would like to express its appreciation to all the friends and family who have shared their overwhelming love and support during this very difficult time. Brad Smith was a generous and determined man who was larger than life for those who knew him. The service for Bradley Smith will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 12:00 PM at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow at the church. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, at Restland Road, Dallas, TX 75238. Memorials in Brad’s honor may be made to Africa Uplifted (www.africauplifted.org) or to the SPCA of Texas (www.spca.org).
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