Joe Vaughan Smith was born on February 2, 1946, in Hughes Springs, Texas, to Ludie Vaughan Smith and W.T. “Budo” Smith. He was the fifth of six Smith children and also had three half-sisters and one stepbrother. Joe passed away on May 4, 2026.

Joe is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jennifer; their three children and their respective families; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren, with another great-grandchild expected in June. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brothers Don and Kenneth, and his sister Delois.

Joe was drafted into military service during the Vietnam War in 1969. He served as a combat mechanic and was honorably discharged with the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5), E-5, earning multiple commendations and medals for his service.

Following his military service, Joe became a longtime business owner in the community of Oologah, Oklahoma. He continued his work as a mechanic while also selling Kioti, Zetor, and Tafe tractors, along with Bad Boy lawn mowers. He faithfully served the Oologah-Talala School Board for nine years and was an assistant deacon at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church.

Joe retired in 2016.

Above all else, Joe loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart. He was an anchor of support and a pillar of strength for his family, who were truly the light of his life.

The Bible — 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NIV)

“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”