Loyd Ray Smith

Loyd Ray Smith was born on September 28th, 1927, in Walters Oklahoma to Andrew Archer Smith and Bernice Renegar Smith. He passed from this life to his heavenly home on July 20, 2022. Loyd grew up in the Empire area. He was always honest, reliable, and dependable; so much so, that he was asked to drive a school bus for the district while still a senior in high school. He has been a Mason since 1954, following in his father's footsteps. After school, Loyd became a proud sergeant in the Marine Corps. He was on a ship headed to Japan when they got word the war had ended.
Upon returning from his tour of duty, Loyd went to work at Halliburton in Duncan, Oklahoma where he was an accountant for over forty years. He married Lavera Jo Purtell in 1957 and they had one daughter, Connie, who Loyd referred to as, "a chip off the old block." Loyd was the best dad in the world, always supportive, encouraging, and loved unconditionally. That love continued when his granddaughter, Alana, was born. She was his pride and joy and the apple of his eye. He was so proud of her, from her first step to her earning her doctorate degree. After retiring he helped at her school where he was known as PawPaw, not only by Alana, but all the students as well as all the teachers.
When he didn't think his life could be any better or any fuller, Alana presented him with three great granddaughters, Haleigh, Beth, and Leah. He followed all their activities religiously, especially their softball games where he was always their biggest fan, on and off the field.
Loyd was preceded in death by his wife, Jo Smith; his parents, A. A. and Bernice Smith; two sisters, Betty Lou Ratliff, and Peggy Jo Collins Miears; and niece, Sharon Maddox.
Loyd left behind to treasure all the wonderful memories they made together: his daughter Connie and her husband Tim Stiger; granddaughter Alana and her husband Jimmy McAnally; great granddaughters Beth McAnally and Leah McAnally; great-granddaughter Haleigh and her husband Nick Masciocchi and great-great grandson Leo Masciocchi; grandson Daniel Stiger and his wife Debra and their kiddos; niece, Darlene and her husband Lynn Cobb; niece, Jodi Shirley; nephew, Andy Collins and his wife Deleeta; and nephew, Freddie Collins and his wife Mary, and their families; and a host of other extended family and friends whose love and visits have been greatly appreciated.
PawPaw gave parting comments and words of wisdom to his family. He respected and loved Tim like a son. He said Tim was his go to person for any and everything. He considered Jimmy his grandson and football watching buddy. PawPaw said to great- granddaughter Haleigh, an Air Force Tech Sergeant," Soar high with the eagles Haleigh and teach Leo to do the same." Speaking to great-granddaughter Beth McAnally, attending Baylor University, majoring in premed, PawPaw said, "Beth, you have made me so proud with all your many accomplishments and you're just getting started kid; follow your dreams always and remember PawPaw loves you." PawPaw said to great-granddaughter, Leah McAnally, "Hit a homerun for me Leah. Oh yes and I love you more." "Uncle Buddy", a name Darlene gave Loyd, told Darlene to," take over and "keep it going. To nephew Andy, his namesake," I am so proud of you. You are one of the best men I know." A favorite quote that Loyd loved and wanted to share: "You're never old if you have something to look forward to and to look back on.........."
Loyd made it clear there were no in-laws in his family, they were all his kids which also included Angie and David Dunagan, whom he loved and thought of as his kids. He loved hearing David play the bass and tell his good stories, and he always said Angie could sing a Patsy Cline song better than Patsy herself.
Loyd was a Christian man and toward the end made it clear to his family and friends, he was not afraid to die, he knew where he was going and that they would all be together again.
Per Loyd's request, there will be no services; instead, he asks that you attend an event of a special loved one in your life and cheer them on for him. Interment will be in Resthaven cemetery under the direction of Bailes-Polk Funeral Home in Duncan, Oklahoma.
Semper Fi