James "Tony" Smith

James Anthony "Tony" Smith of Del City, Oklahoma, passed away from this life to begin his eternal life in Heaven on December 20, 2021, at the age of 65. Tony was born in Purcell, Oklahoma, to James Luey Smith and Patricia Ann Smith (Gibson) on March 24, 1956. Tony attended high school in Midwest City, graduating with the Class of 1974. Tony went on to attend Rose State College, and later, photography school. After leaving photography school, Tony traveled the country, taking photos for yearbooks. He went on to begin a satisfying career in the Automotive industry, working for Dayton Bridgestone Tires, retiring after 31 years of service. He also worked for a time at Sears and Roebuck and The Art of Shaving.
Tony enjoyed playing guitar, and he loved to play the Blues and Rock and Roll, his musical inspiration coming mostly from the influence of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Joe Bonamassa. He also enjoyed taking pictures of nature, his pets, and his grandchildren, watching the OKC Thunder, and he was a lifelong fan of the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Beyond that, he enjoyed going to Lake Eufaula, eating good food, and traveling.
Tony was a longtime member of Woods Baptist Church of Choctaw. His faith was important to him throughout his life, and he was a good, Christ-centered man. Tony enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about the Lord, and he often read them stories from the Bible. He and his beloved wife, Jeannie, read scripture together daily. He was a friendly, compassionate, and loving human being. Tony always made each person in his life feel wholly loved, and those in his life knew just how deeply he cared about them. His nephew says, "Uncle Tony was a shining light in the darkness for me during some of the roughest moments of my life. He was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He always knew what to say even if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. He loved his family fiercely and was always there for them. He possessed an unyielding courage and stood up for what he believed in, even if it was not popular, simply because it was the right thing to do no matter the cost."
Tony was a wonderful husband to his wife, Jeannie, the love of his life for over 30 years. He was a terrific father as well, and spending time with his children and grandchildren was his greatest love in this life. Tony had a zest for life, and his genuine, caring personality touched the hearts of many. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Patricia Smith. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Jeannie Smith; three sons, Timothy Smith of Midwest City, David Smith of Oklahoma City, and Joshua Smith of Del City, and four daughters, Christina Jester of Oklahoma City, Tabitha Cox of Del City, Kimberly Smith of Noble, and Patricia Minter of Midwest City; fourteen grandchildren; a brother, Greg Smith and wife Tina of Edmond, Oklahoma, and sister LuAnn Zaloudik and husband Danny of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, as well as a host of loving extended family members and friends.
Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the John M. Ireland & Son Funeral Home & Chapel, located at 120 South Broadway Avenue in Moore, Oklahoma.
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