It is with a mix of sadness and humor that we announce the passing of Bruce Dyer Smith, Jr., a beloved resident of Altus, Oklahoma, who departed this world on September 25, 2024, at Jackson County Memorial Hospital at the age sixty-seven.
Born on January 26, 1957, in Charleston West Virginia, to Bruce and Maxine Smith, Bruce was raised in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, in Dry Branch, West Virginia, where he graduated from Dupont High School.
After high school, Bruce enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served four years before joining the United States Air Force, where he discovered his true calling as an aircraft mechanic. His adventures took him around the globe, but it was at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines that he met the love of his life, Melagros Dela Cruz. They wed on July 30, 1986. They would welcome their daughter in 1989, Christine, before being transferred to Altus Air Force Base in 1991.
In 1998, Bruce retired from the Air Force, relocating his family to the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, Nevada. There, he embraced his role as a bar back at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, fully immersing himself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. However, with the heart of a devoted father, he soon realized that Vegas was not the best playground for raising a daughter, and they returned to Altus in 2000.
Bruce resumed his career at Altus Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic on the Kc-135 retiring in November 2023. He cherished his time there, regarding his coworkers as an extended family. Known for his infectious sense of humor, Bruce had a gift for making people laugh, often sharing jokes and stories that would brighten anyone’s day. Above all, he was a family man, deeply loving his wife and daughter with a passion that was truly unmatched.
He was preceded in death by this father, Bruce Dryer Smith, Sr.; Mother, Maxine Smith and his brother Dave Smith.
Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Melagros Smith; his daughter, Christine Grayson; his sister, Sandy Crist; and brother, Tim Smith, Rick Smith. He leaves behind a multitude of nieces, nephews, and friends, as well as his cherished brothers and sisters in arms.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite veteran's charity or, in an unexpected twist, to Donald Trump’s election campaign—because Bruce always believed in making his own rules.
As we remember Bruce, let us celebrate the laughter he brought into our lives and the love he shared so generously.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
The Smith family will receive friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.
To send flowers in memory of Bruce Dyer Smith, Jr., visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
1
Oct
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
2
Oct
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
