Longtime business and community leader, Henry L. Smith, passed away at the age of 76 on July 22, 2023 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was born in Claremore on November 09, 1946 to Louis and Clara May (Thompson) Smith. Henry was one of nine children born to this marriage. Henry grew up in Okmulgee. His parents owned and resided at the Elmo Motel located in the old Sparks Motel building at 111 North Comanche Street.
Henry graduated from Okmulgee High School and later attended OSU Tech. He went to work for the Okmulgee Daily Times as a printer. On March 19, 1971 he married Kay Haris. They moved to Weatherford, where Henry worked for a newspaper for a few years, before moving to the Mounds area. Henry managed the Smith Grocery in Mounds from August of 1977 to 1995 when the doors were closed for the final time. Henry then found his way to Smith’s Grocery Store of Beggs where he worked for three years. Henry then purchased the Smith’s Grocery Store on January 30, 1998 and renaming it Beggs General Store. He recently celebrated 25 years of ownership. Henry was proud to be a part of Beggs. He believed in his community and was a huge supporter of the kids of Beggs. Henry was also always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He could always be seen at the grocery store offering help to customers. Henry was a member of the Beggs Lions Club and Beggs Chamber of Commerce and held many positions within those organizations. Henry was also recognized as a Honorary FFA member.
In his spare time, he liked to work, but he did take some time off to travel. He collected coins over the years. But if anyone asked him what he really loved to do, he would answer spend time with his grandkids. Henry will be remembered for his generous and caring ways.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, wife Kay, siblings Minnie Stafford, Step Smith, John Smith, Margaret Foster, Alma Fisher, Ermond Smith, Charles Smith, Gerald Smith, son Bobby Bowen, grandchild Robert Bowen and a great grandchild Kiara Brown.
Survivors include daughters Angie Carman, Debra Neumann and husband Mike, Candis Brown and husband Tony and a son John Bowen and wife Faye, honorary son Keith Long, 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Betty Smith. He is also survived by a special friend Kathie Cron, his coffee buddy Ken Fuqua, his long-time friend and bookkeeper Tina Stone, and his dog Goldie.
Viewing will be on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Beggs McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, July 27, 2023 at First Baptist South in Beggs with Reverend Travis Markes officiating. Interment will follow at Green Hill Cemetery in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Casket Bearers will be Tony Brown, Mike Neumann, Jason Crank, Marshall Laska, Garret Dick, Morgan Bush, Hazen Crank, and Paxton Laska. Honorary Casket Bearers will be John Bowen and Ken Fuqua.
Arrangements have been entrusted to McClendon-Winters Funeral Home of Beggs. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Henry’s Tribute page of our website. www.mcclendon-winters.com
