Teddy Richard Smith Jr.

Teddy Richard Smith Jr. was born on Nov. 13, 1954, in Norman, to biological parents, Teddy Richard Smith Sr. and Lily “Lil” Bryant. He departed this life Feb. 26, 2022, at the age of 67. Ted grew up in various navy bases across the U.S. but spent the majority of his childhood and adult life in Flour Bluff, Texas with his mother, Lil, father, J.C. Bryant, and his sisters Myrna and Ricki. Ted was extremely active in many activities including boy scouts of America, swim team, football, marching band, and Ted was even a bull and bronc rider in the rodeo for many years.

Ted was extremely passionate about animals and nature which led him to attend Texas A&I University. Ted went on to accomplish many feats including being a chemist for AEP, PSO, and CPNL which led to his transfer to Oklahoma. Always by his side was his loving wife, Melinda. They were married in Vegas on April 17, 1997 and have been supporting each other in life ever since. After these years, with Melinda along for the ride, Ted retired from being a chemist after 33 years. He then went on to become a propane salesman, as a manager for W.E. Allford Propane.

Ted was extremely active in the Masonic Lodge and spent several years as the worshipful master of Creek Lodge #226. He was deeply passionate about supporting his community and masonic brothers, and you could catch him selling Vidalia onions for the Shriners early on Saturday mornings. You could also stop by Bristow Garden Shoppe to see him working if he hadn’t already been fired that week.

Ted, or Pepaw, as we knew him, loved early morning coffee, fig newtons, and his dogs and horses. He taught us everything we know about life on a farm and “expecting for the worst but hoping for the best.” Pepaw loved fishing in our ponds and appreciating the wildlife on our land. He loved watching the birds on the back porch and looking at deer through his binoculars. Pepaw loved old western reruns and classic rock, and more often than not, you could find him fast asleep in his recliner with John Wayne playing in the background.

Ted is preceded in death by biological father, Teddy Richard Smith Sr. and parents J.C. and Lily Bryant.

Ted is survived by his wife, Melinda Smith, and his grandchildren Shealeigh and Layni Thompson, children Brandi Smith and Dustie Finch (and family), and sisters Myrna Smith (Debbie Walker) and Ricki Johnson (and family).

The honorary pallbearers are Loren Maier, Scott Johnson, Gene Wood, Lonnie Forester, and Billy Shields.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022, from 5 – 8 p.m. Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m., Friday, March 4, 2022, at Hutchins Maples Matherly Chapel.

Condolences can be sent to www.hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.com.