David Lee Smith

After an arduous battle with prostate cancer David “Red” Lee Smith passed away Saturday, December 13th. Red was born October 3, 1951 in Harlan, Kentucky to Herman and Wilma Smith. Red was raised in coal mining country in the hills surrounding Kentucky and his family settled in Middlesborough, KY after a coach spotted his gift for basketball. He played baseball, football and basketball with the latter being where his true talents lay. Red was courted by many teams in the SEC but chose to play at Ole Miss where he received his BS and MS in Education. A storied time in Oxford MS led Red to make numerous lifelong friendships and was the source of many tales he shared with fortunate listeners.

Red moved to Tulsa as part of the Greenfield operation for Whirlpool Tulsa and subsequently for IC Bus Plant where he was the Director of Human Resources. He was well respected and much sought after for his experience and success in his chosen field. Red was a lover of the outdoors and was happiest when he was either fishing or duck hunting. He and his wife would
make annual trips to Stetsons on the White River catching and releasing trout. Bragging
rights were highly sought after and used to great personal advantage.

Red also loved duck hunting at Bear Creek Duck Camp where freezing and thawing were all
part of the fun with nights spent around the campfire where tales were told.
He was known to say “Why let a few facts get in the way of a good
story.” He was a fabulous cook and his ribs were renowned. It gave him great joy to be enveloped in smoke from the grill, Willie on the CD with a Jim Beam in hand.
He dreamed taking his sweetheart to Alaska before this awful disease took his life and dreams. He was a faithful fan of Ole Miss baseball, basketball and especially football. To honor Red please cheer on Ole Miss in the Peach Bowl on December 31.

Red is survived by the love of his life, Valarie Smith, son Drew Smith, stepdaughter Kristin Roberts and her husband Phillip Roberts, all of Tulsa. He was going to be a grandfather for the first time with the birth of Rose Lee Roberts on March 29. He is also survived by his sister Linda Bradt and husband Russ of Fort Meyers FL; brother Jim Smith and wife Beverly of Lexington KY. Red was predeceased by his father and mother, Herman and Wilma Smith. Also preceding him was the best hunting dog any man ever had a right to own, Rippin’ Blue Barracuda aka Cuda.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, December 19 at 1:00 p.m. at Five Oaks Lodge. Condolences may be made online at Schaudt’s Funeral Service.

I love you darlin’ and miss you with all my heart but I will see you on the other side.