Born on May 26, 1955, Wayne Lee Smith grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, where he attended Bethel Baptist Church and was baptized at the age of 13. He graduated from Norman High School in 1973, having played baseball during his high school years, and went on to attend the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.

Wayne met the love of his life, Kathy Lynn Sullivan (Smith), through their mutual friends, Keith and Barbara Whiten. The two were married on October 12, 1985, in Norman, Oklahoma, and shared 41 wonderful years of marriage together.

Wayne was a skilled carpenter and built a successful carpentry business that he operated for more than 30 years. After leaving the carpentry business, he sold used cars at Karl Cape Auto on Flood Street in Norman.

Wayne had a lifelong love of the outdoors. Whether he was following his bird dogs through a field in pursuit of upland birds, hunting waterfowl, or spending a day on the water chasing bass, he was happiest enjoying the outdoors. His bird dogs, particularly his German Shorthaired Pointers and Labrador Retrievers, held a special place in his heart and were loyal companions on countless hunting adventures.

Wayne also took great pride in caring for his 10-acre property. He enjoyed working outdoors, tending to the land, and always seemed to have a project to keep him busy. He was also an avid golfer for many years, enjoying both the game and the friendships that came with it.

Wayne passed away on October 15, following a sudden medical emergency. He was surrounded by his loving family in his final moments. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, and his memory will live on through the family, friendships, and countless memories he leaves behind.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse Milton Smith and Joyce Smith, as well as his uncle, Morgan Wayne Smith of Norman.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Lynn Smith; his brother, Doug Smith of Monkey Island; his nephew, Jason Kirby of Norman; his nephew, Jesse Smith of Sapulpa, his wife, Erica, and their children, Jack Lucas and Graham Smith; and his niece, Morgan Grubb of Norman, her husband, Chance, and their children, Cooper and Baker Grubb.

A service celebrating his life will be held at 2 p.m. on October 30 at Tribute Memorial in Norman. Friends and family are encouraged to share their stories and memories during the service.

https://www.tribute.care/obituaries/wayne-smith