Wayne Smith

Wayne Lee Smith, 96 year-old, resident of Zena Oklahoma went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 6, 2020.

Wayne was born on August 13, 1923 in Dennis, Oklahoma, to Henry and Doshia (DuBois)  Smith. Wayne grew up with six brothers and one sister on the family farm during the depression era. He attended school at the Oak Grove School House. During this time there was a war going on in Germany. At the age of 19 Wayne joined the United States Army in October 1944, joining his two brothers serving in Germany during WWII. He was a member of the 740th Tank Battalion, they were nicknamed The Dare Devils, known for their instrumental part in the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout his time in service he was affectionately called "Smiley" Smith by his comrades. Wayne became a leader within his company and earned the rank of Sergeant. He returned home to Zena, in January of 1946 and married the love of his life, Fay Wallace, on February 15, 1946 at the Delaware County Courthouse. Wayne and Fay spent a couple of years in Florida working the DuBois family farm but ultimately chose to make Zena their permanent home.  Wayne and Fay lived out their dreams on their farm in the dairy business and eventually transitioned to cow-calf operation.  Throughout the years each of their nieces, nephews, and local youth spent time with Wayne and Fay. They began their own family on June 24, 1968 when they adopted Donna Fay and Pamela Lee. Wayne and Fay spent the second half of their life carting Donna and Pam to their multiple school and sporting events.

Wayne had many accomplishments throughout his life. He received several medals and awards for his actions during WWII including 3 bronze stars and expert gunner. He was a deacon at Zena Baptist Church for nearly 60 years. He also served on the Grove School Board of Education for nearly 20 years, Wayne also served on the Farmers Home Administration Board. Wayne received his high school diploma in 2003 as an honor for his service in WWII. Out of all of his accomplishments he was most proud of his family. Wayne and Fay were married and worked side by side for 69 years. Wayne was the oldest living member of Zena Baptist Church.

Wayne was greeted in heaven by his parents, his loving wife, his brother's and sister; Dee Smith, Elsie O'Donnell, Warren Smith, Mike Smith, Billy Smith, Bob Smith, and Paul Smith.  He is survived by his two daughters; Donna Smith of Zena, OK, Pam Borin and husband, Casey of Monkey Island, OK;  Wayne adored his grandchildren, Derek Mooney and wife, Sarah of Edmond, OK, Devin Summerfield of Broken Arrow, Holly Roach and husband Zach of Monkey Island, Brock Borin of Springfield, MO, and William Summerfield.  Wayne recently became a great grandfather to Zoey Roach; Wayne is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Nancy Smith and Dean Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, and community of great friends.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, August 9, 2020 at Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove.  Services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2020 at Zena Baptist Church.  Wayne will be laid to rest in the Zena Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove.