Robert J. Smith "Fluff"

Lifelong resident of Johnston County, Robert J. Smith (Fluff or Smitty), 69, passed away on Monday, May 8, 2023 in Ardmore, Oklahoma surrounded by his loved ones. Robert was born on February 15, 1954 in Madill, Oklahoma to Kenneth and Patsy Smith. Robert was a graduate of the class of 1972 from Tishomingo High School and went on to further his education at the Southern Oklahoma Area Vocational-Technical Center in Ardmore for Machine Tool Operation. He started his working career as a mechanic at Wheeler’s Automotive in his late teens, then went to Motor Sales in his early 20s, leaving for a brief stent in the oil field 1981-1982, then returning to Motor Sales where he became a managing partner and completed 50 years of dedication to the business. He married the love of his life, Alanda Elna Carter on December 22, 1978 in Pontotoc, Oklahoma. From an early age Robert was interested in motorcycles and cars --- he was known to trade cars often throughout his teens and twenties. Over the years he rebuilt multiple cars and trucks but his most treasured, was his purple 1937 Chevrolet sedan he fully restored alongside close friend Leon Templeton. During this time, he along with other classic car enthusiast founded the Blue River Car Club where they participated in various car shows around Southern Oklahoma. Robert also enjoyed the outdoors, going gigging on the river, hunting with daughter Robbyn and going to eastern Oklahoma with the McCarter Clan, and most recently going fishing with the family at Lake Texoma. His passion for motorcycles was rekindled in the late 1990s which has lead to many more memories with old friends and making new friends along the way during bike rallies, poker runs, and cruising the open roads. He found joy in the simplest of things in life and kept a childlike innocence about him, even to the end. Robert was truly a one-of-a-kind man who left a legacy in this county that will never be forgotten, and his memory will live on forever. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Patsy Smith; grandmothers, Lima Castleberry and Verda Davis; mother and father-in-law, Joe and Lois Carter. Those he leaves to cherish his memories are his bride of 44 years, Alanda Smith of the home; daughters, Michelle Whitaker and husband Ryan of Pauls Valley, Robbyn Ray and husband Craig of Tishomingo, and Marsha Martin daughter (inherited)and husband Chuck of Maysville; 3 grandsons, Benjamin, Cactus, and Alexander; siblings, Wanda Eubanks and Tena Hollingsworth; nieces, Jessica Cobb, Jamie Cox, Sarah Hollingsworth; nephew, Jeremy Foster and a host of friends who will deeply miss him. Those the family would like to recognize as honorary pallbearers are Albert Martin, Paul Gilbert, Randy Bevill, Gary McCarter, Mike Vandever, T. G. Orr, Terry Hutchins, Scotty Croasdale, Don Stokes, Sandy Northcutt, Jayson Northcutt, Joel Northcutt, Hooter Northcutt, Brison Campbell, and David Anderson. A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 12, 2023 at the DeArman-Clark Funeral Home Chapel. Family hour will be held from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Tributes

Robert J. Smith "Fluff"

February 15, 1954 - May 8, 2023