Coming from a religious home, Oran confessed Christ at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of the late Reverend Dixon, Pastor of Greater Oak Grove Baptist Church in Centerville, TX. His family then relocated to Huntsville, TX.
Oran’s family later moved to Houston, Texas where he grew up and attended schools within the Houston Independent School District.
He met and married the undeniable love of his life, Ms. Dorothy Ree Glenn. To this union, they were blessed with six beautiful children.
Oran and his family united and served with Antioch Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Floyd Williams in Houston, TX.
Oran was a hard worker, good father, and excellent provider who loved his family. He worked for the City of Houston and the Houston Slag Company for many years. He decided to join the automotive business with his baby brother Jesse at Smitty’s Garage and later joined Smith and Son’s Plumbing Company where he remained until he retired.
Oran met and married Ms. Esther Hughes. No children were added to this union.
Oran enjoyed all family gatherings. Some of his favorites included “Christmas at Kenny and Laquona’s house,” “Father’s Day in the Park,” and birthday celebrations with his brother Jesse whose children nicknamed him “Uncle Jack” causing him to smile every time. Oran was the first to arrive at all occasions, and the first to eat. He also enjoyed traveling.
Oran later met and married the devoted Ms. Mattie Merchant from Huntsville, TX. He was blessed to gain four stepchildren through this union. Oran united and helped organize Mount Ararat Church under the leadership of Rev. Melbert A. Lewis in Houston, TX. He purchased a second home in Bedias, TX and the Lord led him to unite with Paul Chapel Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend M. Bridges. After dedicating time, study, and labor he was appointed to serve on the deacon board. On March 2, 2002, he was ordained by Rev. Bridges and later became Chairman of the Deacon Board. Oran remained faithful to the church and the needs of the church. He loved the church and his church family. He later united with the House of the Lord Church under the leadership of Rev. Milton Green.
On January 24, 2021, God called His good and faithful servant home. He will truly be missed. He is preceded in death by his parents Deacon Oron & Mae Bell Smith, three daughters Eva Gail Nunn, Sondra Powell, and Glenda Davis, two sons Joseph Bernard Smith and Lawrence Ray Harper, one brother Jesse Smith, one sister Cora Mae Walker, one daughter in law Theresa Smith, and one brother in law A.C. Merchant.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving, devoted wife Mattie Faye Smith, two daughters Carolyn Smith (Roderick) and Joyce Mercer, three sons Kenneth Smith (Laquona), Larry Smith (Joyce B.) and Lester Smith, two sisters Pat Holmes (Arthur) and Jewel Jones, six sister in laws Jean Smith, Geneva Butler, Ocie Johnson, Dorothy Hall (Osby), Esther Davison, and Lovie Williams, brother in law R.L. Merchant (Emma), daughter in law Stephanie, a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
His rich sense of caring, his genuine love, his rich deposits, forgiveness, good deeds, and love have produced generational dividends that will sustain our family in days and years to come. Oran, your legacy will live on. God has you in His keepings and we have you in our hearts forever.
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