Rowland Embry Smith

Rowland (Smitty) was born on January 12, 1937 in Montevallo, Missouri to Liggon W. and Clara Angeline Smith. He was the youngest of seven, having two sisters and four brothers. Smitty passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on July 31, 2021.

After growing up on the family farm in Missouri, Smitty moved to Oklahoma and began working as a heavy equipment operator for Sand Products, Inc. in Oklahoma City. In 1960, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving two years. He married Billie Fern McClendon on June 15, 1963. Throughout his professional career, Smitty worked in the elevator trade and trucking trade, where he retired from Yellow Freight in 2009. On June 15 of this year, Smitty and Billie celebrated 58 years of marriage. They have three daughters; Christi, Shelly, and Stacy.

Smitty was a devoted Christian, serving as a member of Blue Lakes Baptist Church for almost 50 years. He was a man who centered his life on God, family and friends. He was a hard worker, with a huge heart and was a good friend to many. Because of his wonderful work ethic, most of Smitty’s interests involved working with his hands. He loved to weld, work in his shop, hunt both deer and morel mushrooms, and read his Bible. One thing he never missed was a professional football game. He loved watching the Dallas Cowboys, and greatly admired Tom Landry.

Survivors include his wife, Billie; three daughters, Christi Hinds and children, Joshua and Meggan; Shelly White and husband Mark, children, Abby and Logan; Stacy Aguilera and husband Tony, children, Hayden and Gracelyn, and a host of beloved family and friends.

A viewing will be held at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4 at Tribute Memorial Care at 708 24th Ave in Norman.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 5 at Blue Lakes Baptist Church at 201 Indian Hills Road in Norman with Pastor Mat McIntosh officiating.