Surrounded by his loving family, Russell Lee Smith, 53, of Oktaha answered his Savior's call early Thursday morning, October 16, 2008. He was born in Muskogee, February 23, 1955 to Ted and June (Baker) Smith.Russell graduated from Muskogee High School in 1973. Two years later, he joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany. After serving in the Army, he attended NSU where he earned an accounting degree. Russell worked for Grant Pride Co. for over 25 years. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening. He attended Oktaha First Community Church and Keefeton Free Will Baptist Church.Russell was a loving husband, father, PaPa and son. He will be truly missed by his wife, Sharon of the home; his daughter and son-in-law, Valerie and Shawn Pipkins of Oktaha; his granddaughter, who was his pride and joy, Christie Pipkins, and his mother, June Smith of Muskogee. He will also be missed by his brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Nancy Smith of Muskogee; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Rita and Roy Parsons of Tulsa and Rhonda and Chris Branscum of Fort Gibson; his sister, Robin Rush of Orlando FL, and several nieces and nephews. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Ted, March 28, 2008.Friends and family will gather to celebrate the life of Russell Smith at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Keefeton Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Ron Lindsey and Reverend Danny Barks officiating. Interment will follow in Oktaha Cemetery with Tom Hayes, Clint Nichols, Randy Duke, Bob Beach, Tim Payne and Matt Brown serving as pallbearers. Fred Mason is an honorary pallbearer.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Oktaha First Community Church Building Fund, PO Box 123, Oktaha, OK 74450.The family has entrusted Bradley Family Funeral Service of Muskogee with the arrangements.Friends may send condolences to the family on the web page www.bradleyfuneralservice.com.
