09/03/2025
Andrew Grover Smith Jr was born February 6, 1952 to Andrew and Juanita Smith in McAlester, Oklahoma. He married the love of his life Rita Ann 55 years ago, although there has been a lifelong debate of the date being August 28th or 29th in 1970.
He was a loyal employee as a truck driver at Big Mac Tank Trucks for close to four decades until they shut prompting him to retire at that time. After retirement he always stayed busy. He freely gave his time to those around him, not for recognition but for the right reasons. After several months of praying for Hudson Campbell and the Lord working on his heart, he attended church on January 14th of 2018 when his best friend Danny Walters led him in the prayer of salvation. After his salvation his big heart for serving others amplified his giving heart even more. He was truly quick to help anyone in need and never asked for anything in return. Most recently helping and serving those of McAlester through Northside Assembly where he grew the bus ministry touching those of all ages.
His final earthly resting place will be Adamson Cemetery where he spent numerous hours lovingly tending the cemetery.
He enjoyed hunting or just spending time at deer camp, fishing, camping, attending church, and spending time loving all of his family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Rita and precious pug Ellie Mae of the home; three daughters and their husbands: Lisa Gentry and husband, Jamie Gentry of Kellyville, Tanya Davis and husband, Brandon of McAlester, and Pamela Cunningham and husband, Brian of Adamson; six grandchildren: Rashelle Williams and Wesley Lawson, Joseph Andrew and wife, Kimberly Williams, Carole Pyle and husband, Dillon Pyle, James “Adam” Williams and fiancé Erin, Christina Tarkington and husband, Kyle Tarkington, and Andrew “Drew” Cunningham; 12 great grandchildren: Daniel Tucker, Tristan Fitzgerald, Samuel Grover Fitzgerald, Ryan Williams, Espen Pyle, Meridikan Pyle, Lynnleigh Pyle, Oxley Williams, Brynlee Williams, Jade Tarkington, Fallon Tarkington, and Emmett Tarkington; sister, Linda Brown; extended family: Kathy Lewis, Anna and Bob VanOrden, Carolyn Cummings, Wayne Green, Kathy and David Cunningham, Brandon and Mary Calvert, Randy Calvert, Jimmy and Jana Calvert, and David Calvert; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. His church family was a great part of his life especially Shaye Broadway and his best friend and Pastor Brian Smith.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Andrew and Juanita Smith; siblings: Betty and Clyde Roller, Elsie and Bob Lizik, Janice and H.B. Calvert, Rose and Jerry Brodhacker, and Tommy and Mina Smith; niece, Carmen McCraw; special friend, Danny Walters; and a man’s best friend, Prissie.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 4, 2025 at Chaney Harkins Funeral Home.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 5, 2025 at the Northside Assembly of God with his best friend and Pastor, Brian Smith officiating. The burial will follow at Adamson Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Joseph Williams, James Adam Williams, Daniel Tucker, Jamie Gentry, Brandon Davis, and Brian Cunningham.
Honorary pallbearers will be Drew Cunningham, Espen Pyle, Tristan Fitzgerald, Ryan Williams, Samuel Grover Fitzgerald, Wesley Lawson, Dillon Pyle, and Kyle Tarkington.
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