Shelby Ray Smith was born on November 14, 1932 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to William Miles Smith and Wilma Mae (Peerson) Smith. He passed from this life on July 20, 2011 at his home in Liberty Mounds, Oklahoma at the age of 78 years, 7 months & 6 days.

Shelby had lived in this area virtually all of his life. He was a graduate of Broken Arrow High School and had worked as a machinist, welder and warehouseman for many years. He retired from the John Zink Co. in 1996 after working there for 45 years and will always be affectionately remembered by his co-workers by his nickname, Smile. He had a very adventurous spirit and was greatly loved by his family and will be remembered as a very fun person. He was an avid fisherman and a lifetime member of the Bassmasters Association. He loved to travel and some of his favorite destinations were Alaska and Hawaii. He was a longtime member of the Liberty Volunteer Fire Department and was an active supporter of the Liberty FFA by giving scholarships.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 siblings; Charles Smith, Ellen Smith, William "Buddy" Smith & Billy Sherrill Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary E. Smith whom he married on August 16, 1957 in the Duck Creek Community Church. He is also survived by 1 son; Edward Ray Smith of Liberty Mounds, 3 sisters; Marilyn Lomax of Bixby, Nedra Brown of Tulsa & Evelyn Schneider of Tulsa, 4 brothers; David Smith of Choctaw, Dan Smith of Bixby, Ted Smith of Bixby & Gary Smith of Mounds and several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.