Eugene "Gene" Murriel Smith was born June 20, 1926, in Lookeba to Henry Madison and Myrtle Mae (Gifford) Smith and passed away Thursday, October 15, 2020 at Maple Lawn Manor in Hydro, at the age of 94 years, 3 months, and 25 days.

Gene was raised and attended school in Hydro, graduating from Hydro High School. After graduating, he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in Italy during WWII. Gene married Goldia Fay McDougale on July 24, 1947 in Weatherford. They made their home in Weatherford where he earned his Bachelor and Master degrees in Education from Southwestern State College. Gene taught in Weatherford, Arnett, Hughes schools and in Cache for 21 years. He had a total of 30 years in teaching when he retired in 1986. Gene was active member in the First Baptist Church in Hydro and also served as a deacon. He enjoyed camping, traveling, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

Gene is survived by his wife of 73 years, Goldia Smith of their home in Hydro; one daughter, Lynnette Driskill of Yukon; one son, Larry Smith of Lawton; one sister, Velma Jean Henderson of Terrell, Texas; four grandchildren, Jennifer Kragh and her husband, Jeff of Oklahoma City, Robert Driskill of Yukon, Clint Driskill and his wife, Leah of Edmond, Melissa Smith of Arlington, Virginia and Jason Smith of Virginia; and five great-grandchildren, Payton Bell, Ezendia Driskill, Cooper Driskill, Stevie-Grace Driskill and Tucker Driskill. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Myrtle Smith; daughter-in-law, Shirley Smith; son-in-law, Herb Driskell; and brother-in-law, Dr. Harold Henderson.