Wayne “Grandy” Smith, sometimes known as Smith, Sarge, Ernie and Joe S. , passed away October 11th, 2022 in Mangum, Oklahoma at the age of 90.
Wayne was born on August 8, 1932 1 ½ miles north of Willow to Jeff and Arkie (Owens) Smith. He attended school in Willow until the 9th grade and graduated high school at Ocina in 1950. June soon rolled around and as a 17 year old, Wayne mobilized with the Thunderbirds of the 45th Division, going first to Camp Polk Louisiana and then to Hokkaido, Japan, a 15 day voyage. Soon after, he shipped out to Korea where as a tank leader and driver he and his tank platoon were destined to fight at times in -40 degree weather for the freedom of the Korean people. Wayne would go on to retire as Chief Master Sgt. in 1976. He continued serving in the American Legion for a total of 69 years.
He married Margaret “Punky” Hazzard in 1956 in Clovis, New Mexico. They have two daughters, Cindy Clayton and Mary Pearson. Wayne and Punky enjoyed farming, raising cattle and developing rental property. Wayne enjoyed serving his family and community in many different roles. First as a good Son and Brother, a caring Husband, an amazing Father, Grandfather and Uncle. He was a great Friend, an outstanding Boxer, Athlete, Soldier, Volunteer Fireman, First Baptist Church Usher, State Conservation Treasurer and State Conservation 2002 Hall of Fame inductee. He also found time to serve on the Mangum Housing Authority Board, Mangum City Commission, New Hope Chemical Dependency Unit Board and the Greer County Conservation District Board. Wayne was proud of all of his family and we feel blessed to have had him for so many years. He was the rock we all looked up to. He was our hero and will be forever missed.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of forty-four years, “Punky” Smith and his granddaughter, Cassie Brooke Clayton.
Wayne is survived by his two daughters and son-in laws, Cindy and Dale Clayton of Mangum and Mary and Vance Pearson of Amarillo, Texas; Grandchildren, Megan Clayton Roberts and husband Matthew, Jace Wayne Clayton, BayLee Smith Pearson and Brice Landry Pearson. Great Grandchildren, Clayton Benjamin Roberts and Abigail Brooke Roberts. Two very special brothers, Marvin Smith of Willow and Leon Smith and wife Judy of Houston, Texas along with many special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2022, at The First Baptist Church of Mangum, Oklahoma. Following the church service Grandy will be laid to rest next to his wife, Margaret at Riverside Cemetery in Mangum, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Greer Funeral Home, Mangum, Oklahoma.
The Smith family invited you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or share a memory Grandy at greerfuneralhome.com
To send flowers in memory of Wayne Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
13
Oct
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Funeral
14
Oct
Interment
14
Oct
Mangum, OK 73553
Mangum, OK 73554
