Funeral Services for Dick Oldham Smith, 81, of Lexington were held Monday, October 17, 2022 at the First Baptist Church in Lexington. Interment was at the Lexington Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Smith passed away Tuesday, October 11, 2022.
Dick was born January 14, 1941 in Los Angeles, Calif., one of three children born to Eldred Oldham Smith and Thelma D. (Hatfield) Smith. He was raised in Phoenix, Ariz., and graduated from Camelback High School.
He proudly served his country in the United States Army, where he competed as a Golden Gloves boxer. He returned to Phoenix where he and his brother became nationally acclaimed disc jockeys at KRDS radio station where they, using the alias’ Dick McCoy and Johnny Hatfield, carried on the famous Hatfield/McCoy feud daily on the air. They became wildly popular and appeared on the stage with celebrities Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and many more, truly living the dream.
By chance, he met a young waitress named Linda Smith who he hired as a lead singer in his band, “The Hot Licks.” They fell in love and the rest, as they say, was history. They were married and raised two children, son Jimmy and daughter Rhonda.
Dick followed his heart and surrendered to evangelistic ministry where along with his parents and two children ministered wherever God opened the door. By 1980, they had settled in Norman where they started a Christian school. This was also around the time that Dick was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. When the economy forced the school to close, Dick bought property and built and operated a convenience store. He faced many challenges and trials through which he persevered. He cherished Linda, and lived for his family and especially his grandchildren.
He explored many interests, from riding Harleys, horses, and traveling, his favorite destination being Hawaii. He was larger than life. To the entertainment world, he was known as Dick McCoy & the Hot Licks, to the ministry world, Richard Smith & the Smith Family Singers, and to all who knew him, as the most generous man they ever knew.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Linda Smith of the home; son, Jimmy Smith and wife, Sabrina, of Lexington; daughter, Rhonda Sharp and husband, Brad, of Noble; sister, Linda Dawley and husband, John, of Lexington; seven grandchildren, Derrick Morgan, Darin Morgan, Dylan Sharp, Sierra Sharp, Jackson Smith and future wife, Jillian, Jameson Smith and Reagan Smith; seven-great-grandchildren, Sheckler, Paisley, Journey, Abel, Shaylee Arena and Owen and one more on the way and a host of other family and friends.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
