Estell Leon "Johnney" Smith

Estell Leon Smith (nickname Johnney Smith) was born to Margaret (Fleener) Smith and Virgil Smith on May 22, 1945 and left this life to be with his Lord and Savior on September 13, 2022. Johnney was the rock of his family. He had a personality that was larger than life. He had the unique ability to make everyone feel special, especially his family. He was a man of purposeful intention; he was intentional with his time and his words. Johnney loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. We will cherish forever his quick wit and most of all his ability to make others smile.
Johnney served active duty in the Vietnam War as a communications specialist. After his time in the military, he became a carpenter by trade, even building the home he lived in up until his death.
He was also very proud of his accomplishments as a world renowned gamefowl fancier. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, traveling and enjoying nature.
In April, 1964 his life was changed forever when he first laid eyes on his one and only child, Starlet Seimone. Star and her father shared a bond that lasted a lifetime. He shared his love of music with her at a very early age, this tradition continued with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Johnney married his one true love, Barbara Ann Hicks in November of 1972. The two of them met 1971 when they were both enjoying a night on the town, and the rest is history, they were inseparable. Together, their love for one another and their family inspired others. They were twice given the honor of becoming godparents. First to Bobbie Wilkins and then to Aliscia Gaither.
During his illness he found comfort in his daily conversations with his sister Carolyn and his daughter Starlet. Although Carolyn lives in Kingston, Oklahoma, she mailed him uplifting card with a note almost every day. These cards meant the world to him. Starlet was able to transport him to and attend his medical appointments, every car ride was accompanied by his beautiful, deep soulful singing voice as he serenaded her to and from his visits. They were blessed to have this one-on-one time together.
Estell Leon Smith is proceeded in death by his mother; beloved grandmother, Pebble Fleener, and his brother Forrest. He is survived by his wife of almost fifty years, Barbara Ann Smith, his daughter Starlet and her husband Troy Little, grandsons Joshua and his wife Lirio Irvin, John and Wyatt Little, granddaughters Sheena and husband Justin Mackey, Brittany and husband John Scott. Great grandchildren Bryce, Brendon, Joshlynn, John and Emma Irvin; Trinity Irvin, Cory Gurley, Starlet, Cash and Nirvana Mackey; Violet, Hailey and Juliahna Scott. Siblings Carolyn, Glenda, DeWayne, Tracie and Stacy. As well as many nieces and nephews that he loved very much.
We want to thank nurses Clayce and Michelle from the Oklahoma Veterans Hospital for their respect and compassionate care over the last seventeen months.
The family takes comfort in knowing that he received his last rights and is now in heaven. There will be a viewing Friday, September 16, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Mercer Adams Funeral Service, 3925 N Asbury Ave, Bethany, OK 73008. Services will be held at the Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church, 7336 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132, Saturday, September 17, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow in Resurrection Cemetery.