Roy McKinley Smith, son of the late Edward and Celia (Morris) Smith, was born on May 10, 1929, at Vanzant, and passed from this life Dec. 26, 2021, at his home in Vanzant. He was 92 years, 7 months and 16 days of age. Roy grew up in the Vanzant area and married Audrey Gasperson on April 9, 1955, in West Plains. Two sons were born to this union. Roy and Audrey moved to Woodland, Calif., right after they were married. Roy was a foreman at a produce and alfalfa farm until returning to Vanzant in 1959. He was a logger and owned a farm most of his life. After retiring from logging, he and Audrey continued to raise cattle on their farm. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially when hunting. He always looked forward to turkey and deer seasons.
Roy and Audrey grew up in the Vanzant community, and they were both saved and baptized at the Victory Church in 1949. Besides his parents, Roy was preceded in death by three brothers, Billy Smith; Harley Smith and his wife, Elva; and an infant, Delbert Smith; and by one sister, Iretta Bennett and her husband, Dale; one brother-in-law, Ervin Davis; and by one sister-in-law, Carolyn Smith. He is survived by his loving wife, Audrey Smith, of their home; two sons, Darrell Smith and his wife, LaVonna, of Springfield, and Rob Smith and his wife, Tracy, of Ozark; five grandchildren, Jennifer Riddle, Thomas Smith, Andrew Smith, Alyssa Wagaman and Meagan Smith; 12 great-grandchildren; four brothers, Tommy Smith and wife, Mary Lou, Junior Smith and wife, Barbara, Pete Smith and wife, Kay, all of Cabool; and Charles Smith, of Willow Springs; two sisters, Evelyn Davis, of Willow Springs; and Judy Heathman and husband, Chuck, of Cabool; and many other relatives and friends who will miss him very much. There was a visitation from 1-2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home in Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Bud Scheier officiating. Song selections were “O Come Angel Band,” “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” “Blessed Assurance” and “I’ll Fly Away.” Pallbearers were Thomas Smith, Andrew Smith, Tim Wagaman, Jay Riddle, Charles Smith and Chuck Heathman. Burial was in Vanzant Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to The American Bible Society in care of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
