Steven Ray Smith's Obituary
Steven Ray Smith, age 56, passed away on March 30, 2026, at Saint Francis Hospital. He was born on August 20, 1969, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, to Harold Ray and Patsy Ann (Chadwick) Smith. Steven grew up in Elk City, Oklahoma, where he developed the curiosity, warmth, and good humor that would mark every chapter of his life.
At Elk City High School, Steven played trumpet in the marching band - an early sign of a personality that was never content to sit on the sidelines. It was also during his high school years that he met Tammy, when both were just 16 years old. The two became high school sweethearts, and though Steven graduated with the class of 1987 a year ahead of her, their bond only deepened with time. Steven and Tammy were married on June 2, 1990, at the First Assembly of God Church in Elk City, beginning a partnership that would anchor every adventure that followed.
Faith was a cornerstone of Steven's life. He was actively involved with South Tulsa Baptist Church over the years, participating in multiple mission trips, and later became a devoted member of Jenks First Baptist Church. His faith inspired not only his values but his generosity and his genuine love for people.
Steven attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in accounting. He went on to build a distinguished career in finance, spending many years as an auditor in Enid, Oklahoma, with Baird, Kurtz and Dodson (BKD), and later with Hogan and Slovecek, which later became Hogan Taylor in Tulsa. His expertise and integrity eventually led him to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Solaray, where he also worked as a consultant.
When Sola Ray closed, Steven and Tammy embraced a new chapter with characteristic boldness. They moved to their place in the country near Mounds, Oklahoma, and launched Smithville Farm - a beekeeping operation that quickly became a labor of love. Steven took to the hives with the same wholehearted enthusiasm he brought to everything, earning himself the fond nickname "The Bumbling Beekeeper." Every weekend, he and Tammy could be found at the local Farmers' Market, selling their honey and sharing their passion with the community. Steven loved the bees deeply, finding in them a kind of quiet wonder that suited him perfectly.
Those who knew Steven best would describe him as loving, smart, funny, and just a little mischievous - always with a glint in his eye and a new idea taking shape. He was a lifelong learner who was never without a next project. Over the years he took up whittling, woodworking, leatherworking, and fermentation in its many forms - making kombucha, elderberry syrup, and homemade sauerkraut with the same devoted attention he gave everything else. Steven was forever exploring what he could create with his own hands, and the joy he took in that process was contagious. That same passion for creating and living intentionally led him to embrace homesteading, where he raised all kinds of poultry, sheep, goats, rabbits, pigs, and even llamas and alpacas.
Steven is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy Smith; his children, Rhiley Cotner and Bailey Blocker; his grandchildren, Rose and Luna; his brothers, David Yerta and Keith Yerta; and his sister, Donna Landthrip. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kimberly Yerta.
A funeral ceremony honoring Steven will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Rivercrest Chapel. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
"Always praying, always learning, always loved."
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