Vance Douglas Smith

Vance Douglas Smith was born in Vinita December 2, 1949 to parents C.H. Jr., and Betty Rider Smith. He passed away November 17, 2015, at the age of 65.

A funeral service will be held in Spavinaw at the Powell-Dodd-Johnson American Legion Post #192 at 1:00 on Friday, November 20, 2015. Interment will follow at the Chelsea Cemetery under the direction of MMS-Payne Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Claremore.

Vance graduated from College High School, Bartlesville, in 1967. He served two years in the U.S. Army in Germany and Viet Nam in the intelligence sector and received a Purple Heart and various medals of honor. First employed by Phillips Petroleum Company, Reda Pump, and internationally for Pfleuger. Returning to the United States, he established Hogshooter Contruction Company and worked in the building industry as an independent contractor.

Vance has lived in the South Grand Lake Area more than ten years and made many wonderful friends. He loved people and enjoyed helping them. Utilizing the gigantic custom smoker he designed, he won numerous BBQ and Chili Cook Off trophies.

At the time of his death he was serving as Vice Commander of American Legion Post #192. In addition, he was instrumental in chartering South Grand Lake Lions Club, holding various offices, and in building the Langley Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Surviving are daughters Dustie Jobe, Bixby and Traci Barnes, Summerdale, Alabama; mother Betty Dillingham, sister Sherry and Ed Whisler, Claremore; brother Kent and Leah Dillingham, Owasso; and stepsister Linda Dillingham Curtis, Tulsa. Vance was preceded in death by father C.H. Smith, Jr., stepfather Syd W. Dillingham, stepmother Lou Smith, grandparents Maud and C.H. Smith, Sr., Jack and Margrette Rider and stepbrother Fred Dillingham.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to American Legion Post #192, South Grand Lake Lions Club, or your choice of charity honoring veterans.