Dr. Tony Gene Smith

Dr. Tony Gene Smith passed from this life July 15, 2023 at Titus Regional Medical Center. He was born March 12, 1955 in Durant, Oklahoma. He lived most of his life in Sulphur Springs and was a member of the League Street Church of Christ.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 18, from 6-8 PM at the Murray-Orwosky Funeral Home in Sulphur Springs. Services will be Wednesday, July 19 at 2 PM in the chapel of the funeral home with Brother Buddy Wiggins officiating. Graveside to follow at Restlawn Memorial Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Roland Nicholson, Gerald Pasley, Toney Collier, James Heflin, Jerry Heflin and Billy Scoggins. 

Dr. Smith received his Bachelors and Masters Degree from Texas A&M Commerce, formerly East Texas State and his Doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from Oklahoma State University. He was a ag teacher at Carlisle High School and was an Agricultural Professor for 12 years at Murray State University, Texas A&M Commerce and Oklahoma State University.

Tony Gene was a founding member of the Central Rodeo Association now known as the United Pro Rodeo Association (UPRA), a lifetime member of the Future Farmers of America, Oklahoma/Texas Auctioneer Association and held an Honorary Lonestar Degree. In 2019 he was inducted into the UPRA Hall of Fame.

Steer Wrestling was a major part of his life when he was young. Tony Gene always enjoyed telling jokes, rodeos and traveling with his many friends. Even after having a traumatic brain injury in 1992, he never slowed down. While he could not communicate well, he’d still be seen around town and attending his much loved rodeos. 

Tony Gene is preceded in death by his parents: Overton ‘Odie’ and Fay Smith. 

He is survived by his children: Tanner and Ashley Smith of Omaha, Texas, Shyanne and Cody Copeland of Gilmer, TX along with grandchildren Nathan and Axleigh, Glenn and Samantha Miller of Springdale, Arkansas, Jeana and Chris Penny of Sulphur Springs, Texas and Jennifer and Bryan Hawkins of Hawkins, Texas, and Lisa Parker and husband Randy Parker of Pittsburg, Texas. 

Tony Gene will be missed by his family and friends who were like family to him. 

In leau of flowers the family request donations be made to:

Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund 

101 Pro Rodeo Drive

Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919 or online at www.JustinCowboyCrisisFund.org