Otis Smith

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mr. Otis James Smith, 87, of Miami, Oklahoma, departed this life on Monday, December 18, 2017, while at the McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, Missouri, after a recent battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Otis entered this life on February 22, 1930, in Miami, Oklahoma, the eldest of four sons of the late Fred and Bertha (Ritchel) Smith. Otis was a lifelong resident of Miami. On May 16, 1952, he was united in marriage to Nina Lucille Miller and to this union one son was born. Otis was a professional firefighter throughout his life. He retired in 1977, as Captain of the Miami Fire Department. After retirement he and Nina became the resident caretakers of the Dobson Estate in Miami. He enjoyed fishing, St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and time spent with his family. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star and Immanuel Baptist Church, all located in Miami.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of sixty-five years, Nina Smith on September 26, 2017; and three brothers, Roy and Glenn Smith and L.J. Mills.

Otis is survived by his son, Randy Smith and wife, Lynda, of Anderson, Missouri; two grandchildren, Tyler Smith and wife, CeCe, of Bentonville, Arkansas and Kelsey Bergen and husband, Bo, of Rogers, Arkansas; one great granddaughter, Stella Smith (patiently awaiting the arrival of a second great grandchild, baby girl Bergen); several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services for Mr. Smith will be held graveside on Thursday, December 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the GAR Cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma, with Pastor Dennis Bergen officiating. Those honoring his life by serving as pallbearers are Tyler Smith, Bo Bergen, Tom Collins, Leo Altebaumer, Rob McCulley and Allen Schemahorn. Jim Bland will be serving as an honorary pallbearer. In lieu of flowers memorials are being directed to the McDonald County Schools Foundation c/o the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.