JIMMY RAY SMITH

1947 - 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of our loved one Jimmy Smith, he died on December 24th in Durant, OK with loved ones by his side.
Jimmy was born on Aug 7th, 1947 in Denison, TX to Red and Frankie Smith who have proceeded him in death. He was also proceeded in death by his twin sister Judy Garretson and his brother Floyd "Bubba" Smith.
He is survived by his wife Linda and his children, his sons Cody Beazer and wife Chassidy of Colbert, OK, Ryan Smith and wife Brenda of Tulsa, OK, and Jimmy Ray Smith Jr "JJ" of Boswell, OK. And his daughters Jennifer Smith and husband Steven of Enos, OK, Rusty Howell and husband Curtis of Puerto Rico, Courteney Anderson and husband Scott of Marietta, OK, and Lila Gordon and husband Mike of Marietta, OK. He is also survived by his sister Leta Parten and husband Lonnie and brother Robert Smith and wife Deanna all of Denison TX. As well as his grand and great grandchildren. In his later years these were the ones that were the light of his life. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Jimmy was a born leader. He was president of the Colbert Future Farmers of America for 2 years in a row, as well as the Southeastern District Vice President of Oklahoma.
After graduation from high school, he went on to graduate from Murray State College, attended OSU in Stillwater before graduating from Panhandle State University in Guymon with a degree in Agriculture. Although his secular education was finished, he never lost that love of learning and was always up on the latest farming and gardening techniques. He loved to share his knowledge and experience with others, especially his children. This will be greatly missed.
Jimmy loved life, he loved people and he loved to laugh and he loved to make people laugh. He was a farmer, builder, hunter, teacher, and a teller of some amazing tales. Just to watch him tell a funny story was as entertaining as the story itself. At the time of his death he was in the process of compiling a book of his experiences hunting wild hogs and other miscellaneous adventures. His passing is a great loss to us all. Rest in Peace dear Jimmy.
Arrangements are under the direction of Gordon Funeral Home in Durant OK.
A come-and-go Memorial Service will be held January 4th at Country Gospel Lighthouse Church in Colbert between 12:00 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. Followed by Graveside at Garden of Memory Cemetery in Colbert. We kindly ask that all follow CDC & Local COVID-19 Guidelines.