LeRoy Smith

LeRoy Franklin Smith, a beloved figure in Glenpool, Oklahoma, passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on August 10, 1930, in Las Vegas, New Mexico, LeRoy's remarkable life was marked by service, dedication, and a passion for mentoring young people.

From a young age, LeRoy displayed an extraordinary work ethic, starting his first job delivering newspapers at just six years old. He joined the U.S. Navy just before his 16th birthday and served aboard the Battleship USS Iowa after World War II, where he distinguished himself with heroic acts, including saving a pilot whose plane had crashed into the ocean.

After 37 years with Sun Oil Refinery in Tulsa, LeRoy turned his focus to coaching, making an indelible impact on the wrestling community in West Tulsa, Glenpool, and Bixby. He began his coaching journey at the Blue T. Wrestling Club at Tulsa's Webster High School in 1960 and later joined the Bixby School wrestling program. For 25 years, he also served as a wrestling official, later dedicating himself fully to coaching. As a volunteer assistant coach for Glenpool Public Schools for an impressive 45 years, LeRoy retired in 2021 but left a legacy of character, self-discipline, and integrity in the countless young lives he touched.

LeRoy's contributions to wrestling were recognized with his induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame's Oklahoma Chapter in 2022. He also served on the Glenpool School Board for eight years and received the Glenpool Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002. In 2013, he was honored as a member of the inaugural class of the Glenpool School's Athletic Hall of Fame.

LeRoy is preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Smith; sister, Wanda Blanchard; and son, LeRoy (Bucky) Smith. He is survived by his devoted wife, Waffel (Nunamaker) Smith; sons, Lance Smith and wife Linda, Mark Smith and wife Brenda, Scott Ruff and wife Melissa, Kelly Ruff and wife Shannon; daughter, Rendi Crist; grandchildren, Mike, Lisa, Miranda, Mason, Alex, Garrett, Kaytlynn; more than seven great-grandchildren and eight or more great-great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in LeRoy's name at BancFirst (LeRoy F. Smith Memorial Fund, account #71144208).

A celebration of LeRoy's life will take place at 2:00 PM on October 2, 2024, at Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service, located at 1329 East 151st St., Glenpool, OK 74033.

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt's Glenpool-Bixby Funeral Service. Family and friends are invited to share condolences and memories at www.schaudtfuneralservice.com.

LeRoy Franklin Smith will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and the sport he loved.