A Special Tribute from Dr. Beougher & the Smile Maker of Texas Family
In Memoriam
Chuck Norris
A Beloved Friend & Patient — Over 25 Years
“Chuck was truly one of a kind — our Walker, Texas Ranger, our American hero. We were blessed to call him a friend.” — Dr. Ritchie Beougher
25 Years of Friendship
A Patient, a Patriot & a Friend
Chuck & Gena Norris with Dr. Beougher and friends
Chuck Norris was one of our most special “Top Gun” patients for over 25 years. More than a patient, he became a true friend — someone whose warmth, patriotism, and generosity touched everyone in the Smile Maker of Texas family.
Dr. Beougher is extremely proud to say that Chuck Norris is the real deal. He and Gena never wavered, never compromised their integrity, and stood always as fine Christian role models — in the spotlight and out of it. That consistency, that character, is what made Chuck truly extraordinary.
Dr. Beougher and long-term patients Arch and Sherry Bonnema also supported Military Ministry at Norfolk, VA, working to give hope and guidance to new military men and women entering service.
“Chuck and Gena never wavered and never compromised their integrity. Dr. Beougher is proud to have helped support their fine work.”
The Kick Start Foundation — A Life-Changing Legacy
Chuck Norris with Kick Start Foundation students
Chuck and Gena Norris dedicated enormous time, energy, and resources to their Kick Start Foundation, operating after-school and weekend programs in cities across the United States. These programs gave inner-city kids access to martial arts training, academic mentoring, and the kind of one-on-one role model guidance that can redirect the entire arc of a young life.
Chuck’s staff worked alongside him to provide role model training and real-world solutions — helping kids navigate school, family challenges, and the decisions that shape who they become as adults. The Kick Start Foundation was not just a program; it was a game changer for thousands of young Americans and their parents.
As a martial arts world champion himself, Chuck brought unmatched credibility and passion to this mission. He was the ultimate role model — proof that discipline, respect, and hard work create not just champions in competition, but champions in life. Dr. Beougher is honored to have supported the Kick Start Foundation and to have stood beside Chuck and Gena in this truly meaningful work.
A Top Gun Summer
Dr. Beougher’s “Top Gun” Connection
Dr. Beougher during his service as First Lieutenant, stationed in San Diego
We hope everyone has a wonderful “Top Gun” summer and gets to see the new sequel — a very entertaining film and a worthy follow-up to the original, filmed in 1985 in San Diego and Nevada.
Top Gun holds a deeply personal place for Dr. Beougher. He served as First Lieutenant and was stationed in San Diego during the filming of the original movie, where he was fortunate enough to meet the cast in 1985. He completed his dental residency training there and still proudly carries a Special Forces lifetime military ID.
Dr. Beougher often says he has a “Top Gun” staff and “Top Gun” patients whom he loves to help and serve!
An Unforgettable Experience
Aboard the USS Roosevelt
Dr. Beougher, Chuck, and Arch flew out and caught the cable on an arrested landing aboard the USS Roosevelt. They were then escorted up to the 19th floor — the Captain’s Crow’s Nest — where the Captain had a seafood luncheon prepared in their honor. From there, they gazed down at the full flight deck with 110 aircraft and a crew of 4,500 sailors spread out below them — an awe-inspiring sight unlike anything else in the world.
Chuck stayed up all night signing autographs for all 4,500 crew members who were fans of his. They watched F-16 pilots catapult off the deck in full take-off before returning to be graded on their precision landings.
“What a sight — to stand next to Chuck and be treated like Top Gun Royalty. Those memories will never leave us. Chuck was one of a kind — a true American hero, a devoted Christian, and the finest kind of friend. We are forever grateful to have known him.”
SmileLift™ Transformation
The Smile We Were Honored to Create
Chuck Norris — SmileLift™ by Dr. Ritchie Beougher · Smile Maker of Texas
With Gratitude & Deep Respect
“May God bless our great country. We are grateful for every patient, every smile, and every memory.”
To Chuck Norris and Gena Norris — thank you for your decades of friendship, your unwavering patriotism, and the enduring inspiration you have given to countless Americans. Your devotion to this country’s young people and its servicemen and women will never be forgotten. We are proud to have called you family.
Dr. Ritchie Beougher & the Smile Maker of Texas Team
6201 Dallas Parkway, Suite 220 · Plano, Texas 75024
(972) 704-1390 ·
SmileMakerTX.com