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Jackie Derrel Smith, Jack to most, age 60, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 in Ada, Oklahoma. Jack was born on September 22, 1962 in Tishomingo, Oklahoma to Billy Joe and Dollie Ann (Barrett) Smith. Jack was the youngest of three children; growing up in Reagan and graduated from Mill Creek High School. He went on to attend Oklahoma State University where he studied Wildlife Management. After College he began traveling the country for asbestos removal- living in places like Mississippi, Tennessee, Michigan, before settling back in Oklahoma and focusing on a career in ranching. Jack had a lifelong interest in animals, including raising rattlesnakes. Jack at one time had a coffee table with a glass top in which he would house the live rattlesnakes, scaring guests with this one-of-a-kind decoration. Jack was an avid salt-water aquarium enthusiast and enjoyed the challenge of propagating numerous species of coral. Jack used his expertise to help design and care for many of the saltwater aquariums in various doctors’ offices around Ardmore. Jack had numerous interests and hobbies, including collecting guns, hunting, fishing, and traveling. He was especially fond of sharing his love of the outdoors with the younger generation by taking them hunting and fishing. He stated that his favorite place he traveled was Yellowstone National Park, and although he never had the opportunity to return, he encouraged everyone to go see its unique beauty and wildlife at least once. During his last days, Jack said that his biggest piece of advice he had was to not work so hard that you forget to have a life. And although Jack was taken too soon, he certainly lived a full life that touched all who knew and loved him. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Dollie Smith. Those he leaves to cherish his memories are his two brothers, Billy F. Smith and wife Sherry of Reagan; Gerald W. Smith of Reagan; niece, Stephanie Riley and husband Darrell of Reagan; nephew, Shad Smith and wife Morgan of Reagan; great nieces and nephews, Caleb Riley of Sulphur, Maddy Riley of Stillwate, Ryndon Smith of Reagan and Cody Smith of Reagan; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who will deeply miss him. Funeral services to honor and celebrate Jack’s life will be held at 1:00 PM Thursday, August 3, 2023 at DeArman-Clark Funeral Home. Interment to follow at the Troy Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers are Daniel Barrett, Caleb Riley, Timothy L. Hayes III, Roger Johnston, Jeremy Barrett and Mark Miller. Honorary pallbearers are Ty Barrett and Ethan Baker.

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Jackie "Jack" Derrel Smith

September 22, 1962 - July 29, 2023