Jimmy Earl Smith, age 80, accomplished reaching his birthday milestone by celebrating with a cookout. Jimmy was born to George and Alice Smith in Garvin County, Oklahoma, on October 4, 1942, and passed away peacefully June 12, 2023, at the VA Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Jim graduated from Maysville High School and then attended the University of Central Oklahoma. He proudly served his country in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was injured during the Vietnam War and was awarded the Purple Heart. He returned to Oklahoma to recover and be with his family. After recovering, he worked in the oilfield industry in various capacities and companies such as Western Electric and the Maysville Gas Plant. Jim later moved to Moore, Oklahoma, where his home was destroyed in the May 2013 tornado. He then moved to Oklahoma City.
Jim was the youngest of ten children and was considered the spoiled one. He fancied himself as a professional of towel popping, wet willies, and licking his fingers to smear a loved one’s glasses. Generally, he loved aggravating those he loved. Jim was proud to be a Mason. He was a lifelong Baptist and was actively attending Cherokee Hills Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
In 2002, shrapnel he had received in his injuries in Vietnam, broke loose, finding its way to his bloodstream causing an infection that affected his health until his passing.
Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Botkin and husband, Jack; his brother, Ralph Smith and wife, Carolyn; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents; son, Dwayne Smith; daughters, Brenda Smith and Glenda Smith; brothers, Joe Smith, Winford Smith, Hulan Smith and Charles Glen Smith; sisters, Geraldine Hicks, Olivine Indermuehl and Faye Burton.
Memorial service were held Sunday, June 18, 2023, in the Winans Funeral Home Chapel in Maysville, Oklahoma. Arrangements under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home of Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com.
