Ovis Smith, Jr.
1943-2024
Ovis “Smut” Smith, Jr. was a loving husband of Jeannie (McNutt) Smith for 62 years. He was born July 13, 1943 in OKC, Ok to Ovis (Nig) and Neily (Barrett) Smith. He graduated from Capital Hill High School and then Central State College. He worked for IBM for 8 years where he was a very successful salesman accumulating national awards and later became a manager in Chattanooga, Tenn. After leaving IBM, he purchased and built two businesses. During that time he was accumulating rental properties which he ran until his death.
As a young man he was active in several sports and he always maintained his physical fitness.
At the age of 38, he accepted Christ as his Savior. He made a promise to God that he would read and study his Bible every day for an hour. He kept that promise up to the end. It was important to him to pass his knowledge on to his family.
He served in multiple positions in the church and witnessing was a constant in his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his great grandson, Declan.
He is survived by his wife, daughter Niki Smith-Steeley and her husband Ray, and daughter Mitzi Smith. He was also survived by five grandchildren that he loved dearly: Tate, Turner and wife Emily, Jaci and husband Aaron, Tyce Ovis, Ryli and fiancé Quentin; and great grandchildren: Henry, Gabriel, and baby on the way.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Matthews Funeral Home.
Uncle Smut played a huge role in my adolescence. He was the closest thing to watching how a father operated that I ever had. He was always the funniest person, and probably the smartest in the room.
I was blessed to have him in my life when I did RIP 🙏
Love you, aunt Jeannie, Nikki, and Mitzi. ❤️
We were looking forward to meeting Poppy at Ryli and Quentin’s wedding. So sorry to learn of his passing. We’re sending love and hugs to the entire family.
Our loss is GOD’S gain. Praise GOD!
Uncle Smut, played a pivotal role in my Life growing up. Always positive with a very spiritual aura around him. He raised a devoted and loving family. My love and prayers for you all, Aunt Jeanie, Mitzi, Niki, and family.. ❤️ Love Jill
Jeannie and family I hurt for you all. Wish we could re-live some of the moments at the lake with Smut and all of you. it was always a delight to visit with you guys. It was evident to all he was a gem and we were lucky to have him in our family. So glad Koda got to experience Smut. He remembered right away he helped with whittling.
Jeannie, Niki, Mitzi and family. So sorry about Smut. One of the best men I have ever know. Love and hugs to all
Smut was a tower of goodness and kindness. He had an infectious smile and was a special cousin – even from a distance. I am praying for God to hold the family close and comfort us all as we mourn the passing of a great Christian man. I am so thankful for the hope of heaven that we share. Hugs and love to all.
Let me take you on a journey that beautifully illustrates the power of friendship, faith, and shared experiences. When I first met Smut, he had just graduated from IBM sales school, and I was about to embark on the same journey. Little did I know that this encounter would lead to a lifelong bond. He dedicated his time to help me prepare for our class, and our families quickly became close—both of us blessed with daughters of similar ages.
One memorable year, we entered a draw for a coveted duck blind at Lake Overhoster—and we won! The excitement of constructing our duck blind together was unmatched. When duck season arrived, we spent countless mornings in the tranquility of nature, sunrise painting the sky, eagerly scanning for ducks. Though we never fired a shot that season, the joy of those shared moments was priceless.
Our adventures didn’t stop there; I took Smut on a pheasant hunt in Kansas, where we reveled in the thrill of the chase, shooting plenty of shells and even bagging a few pheasants. However, life took Smut to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to pursue a Marketing Manager position. Despite the distance, our families stayed connected, visiting their stunning home on Lookout Mountain.
Tragedy struck when Smut’s father passed away, prompting him to return to Oklahoma City to support his mother. A few years later, as fate would have it, we found ourselves neighbors again, moving to Oak Tree, right across the 11th fairway. Our shared passion for golf blossomed, and during those rounds, Smut often spoke to me about the transformative experience of being born again.
It was through his unwavering faith and friendship that I accepted Jesus as my Savior, a decision that has profoundly shaped my life. When Jeanne called to share the news that Smut was in hospice, I found solace in prayer, hoping for his peaceful transition. I knew, without a doubt, that he was destined for heaven, and I envisioned him waiting for me, ready to keep our tee time open.
This story is not just about two friends; it’s about the impact one person can have on another’s life. Embrace the relationships that inspire you, and consider the possibilities that faith can bring. You never know how your journey may intertwine with someone else’s, leading to profound transformations and everlasting friendships.
I’ve known Smut since kindergarten or before, I have a picture of us in first grade at Westwood. We went to church together at EABC and went to Jackson and CHHS together. I tried to keep in touch until recently and didn’t know he was ill and on Hospice as someone said. I wrote him last wk or the week before but didn’t hear back and wrote Mitzi a few months ago you look like your dad to me..I know Smut as we all called him is with Jesus and enjoying the joy he found in the Lord. Jeannie I’ve known you since we were young too. I pray God gives all your family peace that passeth all understanding, and you know you’ll meet him again in Heaven. We are at the age, he was a few months older than me that we are loosing friends but it’s Heavens gain. With love and prayers. Linda Yount Carroll and David Carroll Tulsa, Okla