John Hicks Smith

John Hicks Smith, age 76, passed away Thursday, June 27, 2024 in Oklahoma City. He was born November 14, 1947 in Camden, Texas. He was raised in Cleveland, Texas where he graduated high school with perfect attendance. John went on to serve his country and joined the United States Navy at 17 years old. He worked as a logger all over Texas and found great joy in spending time outdoors. John met his soulmate, Anthanetta, at a church in Cleveland. What started as friendship, overtime, developed into a love that was steadfast and unconditional. They married on August 2, 1990 and John became an “Okie Transplant” making their home in Oklahoma City. John was a man who had a very strong spirituality and zeal for God. He was passionate about people and was a social butterfly who never met a stranger. He was a prankster and loved to tell a good (not always true) story. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed deer hunting, camping, and fishing. John also loved to read and spend time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leve Ashby and Mary (Raines) Ashby; sisters, Brenda, Sally, and Billie Jean.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Anthanetta Smith; children, Joel Eugene Smith, John VL Smith and wife Kashawna “Baby Girl”, Exavior Soliz, Montese Jenkins, and Lil Netta; brother, Jim Ashby; sister, Patricia Ashby; as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, other family, and friends.

Services are pending.