Willard Smith

Willard Ray Smith, resident of Ponca City and former resident of Fairfax, passed Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at the Robert J. Dole V.A. Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was 80 years of age.

Willard was born May 18, 1931 in Fairfax, Oklahoma, the son of Raymond Nathan Smith and Rosie B. Trent Smith. He attended the Fairfax Schools. He was married to Shirley Rae Hendrix on October 9, 1954 in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Willard served his country in the Oklahoma National Guard and was transferred to regular Army during the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal Japan, U.N. Service Medal and 1 Battle Star.

Willard was employed in his early years at the Fairfax Ice Plant and served the Fairfax community as a volunteer fireman. He had worked many years as an autobody tech with the Jay Warner Body Shop in Ponca City. Out of his many years of employment a strong friendship was formed between himself a Mr. Warner. Willard was a member of the American Legion and his enjoyments included time spent with his sons and grandchildren, attending as many of his grandchildrens games and school activities as possible. He also enjoyed going to the Casinos, attending auctions and garage sales, working around the house and family tree research.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley, of the home three sons, Terry Smith, Tony Smith and Tim Smith, all of Ponca City two sisters, Eva Soutter and Donna Mobbley, both of Ponca City 4 grandchildren, Jason, Nicole, Ashley and Courtney 1 great granddaughter, Aspen. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at the Fairfax Cemetery with Rev. Lewis Bernard presiding. Arrangements are under the direction of the HunsakerWooten Funeral Home of Fairfax.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice Unit of the Robert J. Dole V.A. Medical Center, 5500 E. Kellogg Dr., Wichita, Kansas 67218.