Sherman Smith

Sherman Gene Smith was born on January 27, 1959, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Gene and Lela Lou (Martin) Smith. He left this world on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 65. Between his birth and passing, Sherman lived a life full of love, accomplishment, and joy, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Sherman grew up in Pocola, Oklahoma, where he graduated from high school in 1977. A true multi-talent, he played four sports, served as class president, was active in the Student Council, and was voted "Best All Around" by his peers. After high school, he attended Northeastern State University (NSU) in Tahlequah on an athletic scholarship. Though an injury ended his college athletic career, it didn't dim his passion for learning. Sherman studied botany, chemistry, and biology, serving as a teacher's assistant, managing the campus greenhouse, and assisting with a program tracking animals via radio signals. He earned his degree from NSU in 1982.

It was at NSU that Sherman met the love of his life, Susan "Susie" Mayberry, during a dance where they first exchanged glances across the floor. Their first date marked the beginning of a beautiful relationship. They married on May 25, 1983, at Pocola First Baptist Church and embarked on a life filled with love, education, and family. Together, they raised three sons, Steven, Brett, and Taylor, while also nurturing their shared passion for teaching.

Sherman began his teaching career at Pocola High School, where he also coached basketball while Susie completed her degree. In 1985, the couple moved to Susie's hometown of Mounds, Oklahoma, where Sherman would spend the next four decades shaping the minds of students and becoming a beloved fixture in the community. He taught AP Chemistry, zoology, botany, biology, anatomy, physiology, and even math, along with serving as athletic director, National Beta Club sponsor, senior class sponsor, and coach. His quick wit, dry sense of humor, and genuine interest in his students made him a favorite among both students and colleagues. His love for teaching extended well beyond the classroom; Sherman and Susie were present at nearly every academic and athletic event in Mounds, where their presence will be deeply missed.

An avid Oklahoma Sooners fan, Sherman was also a man of many talents. He achieved a second-degree black belt in Goju-ryu karate, and in 1996, he even volunteered to drive a bus during the Atlanta Olympics. Despite his wealth of knowledge, he famously lacked a good sense of direction-just one of the many quirks that made him so endearing.

Sherman enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing golf, and spending time with his grandchildren outside the classroom. Whether it was watching OU games, mowing his lawn, or engaging in spirited debates about everything from sports to how to pronounce "aluminum foil" or "Cool Whip," Sherman brought warmth and laughter to those around him. He loved visiting with friends and his three sons, often trading good-natured jabs and engaging in heated discussions.

Sherman is survived by his wife of 41 years, Susie; his sons Steven (and wife Audra) of Port Orchard, WA, Brett (and wife Alexis) of Jenks, OK, and Taylor (and wife Sarah) of Prattville, OK; his grandchildren River, Mason, Cameron, and Arlo Gene, with another grandchild on the way. He also leaves behind his sister Sharon (and husband Allen Hines) of Baytown, TX, and many cherished in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Caudle Auditorium on the Mounds School campus. A celebration of Sherman's life will take place at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, September 14, in the Carter Fieldhouse on the Mounds campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Sherman's memory to Mounds Public Schools, c/o Jonathan Clay, P.O. Box 189, Mounds, OK 74047 or by CLICKING HERE

Arrangements are entrusted to Schaudt Funeral Service. Family and friends may send memories and condolences to the family online, www.schaudtfuneralservice.com