Dale Smith

Dale Smith, husband of Sharron (Gillaspy) Smith, of Spencer, OK, passed away August 17, 2011 at the age of 69 in Midwest City, OK. Dale was born October 13, 1941 to Walter and Bessie (Funnel) Smith in Cushing, OK. He worked and retired as a Engineering Technician at Tinker Air Force Base in 1993. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, game writing, tinkering with computers and photography. He also helped to begin the Young Hunters Safety Clinics.

Dale (W.D.) Smith was an icon in a world that appeals to all who honor goodness and fairness. I knew him for more than 30 years, first when he was a top computer operator handling a lot of military assignments at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Later, he owned and operated a computer sales and repair business and thriving printing shop near his home in Spencer. My wife, Joan, purchased several computers from him -- the first for our home offices and businesses -- and he was a patient and ever-helpful mentor and guide, which to us old folks was a new world. He eventually convinced me, in my writing, that there was a better world than electronic typewriters. He was kind enough to bail me out several times when I experienced problems and if we couldn't handle by telephone, he would drive to my home and do repair in a hurry.

I knew and worked with him, too, when he had his print shop and he handled all our business printing. I was fortunate enough to call him friend early in our acquaintance and to spend time with him in fishing boats and hunting fields. He started and printed a fine magazine for a while -- named Prairie Mountain Journal -- and paid me well for several articles. Unfortunately, it fell on hard times and suffered from a lack of advertising. He was always generous, however, and always had praise for any small deeds that others did for him.

Simply put, he was an exceptional talent serving a lot of areas, and a fine and valued friend. I know that many will miss him greatly, as will the Smiths.

Preceding him in death are his parents and sister, Betty Myrick. He is survived by his wife Sharron of the home, one niece Jennie Lockhart and many friends who will miss him very much. Funeral services will be held at a later date.