Andrew “Andy” Smith, age 71 of Norman, departed from this world on November 10th, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease and diabetes. Andy was the second born son of Harris S. Smith and Winona Catherine Smith, born on August 25th, 1950 in Ada, OK. Andy grew up in Ardmore, OK where he graduated from Ardmore High School in 1968. He attended college at OSU, East Central, and finally Southeastern where he earned a degree in physical education with a minor in speech. He married his wife of 48 years, Melody Hamilton Smith on August 11th, 1973. They made their home in Ardmore where they raised two children, Jason and Jill. Andy enjoyed a long career of over 30 years in the oil and gas industry where he ran Ardmore Drilling Co, having drilled many successful wells over the years. Andy also enjoyed owning and raising racehorses, a family tradition that dates back to his grandparents. Over the years, he had several prize-winning racehorses, but none so famous as his beloved quarter horse, Wicked Courage, who won nine straight races in a row and in 2013 went on to win the Rainbow Derby in Ruidoso, NM, the highlight of his horse racing career. Wicked Courage was also named Horse of the Meet for 2012 at Will Rogers Downs and again in 2013 at Ruidoso Downs. Andy was proud to be awarded with the 2013 Champion Oklahoma Owned Three Year Old Gelding award for his prized horse, Wicked Courage. Andy also enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Andy is preceded in death by his parents, Harris S. and Catherine Smith, and his younger brother Timothy Neal Smith. He is survived by his wife Melody of the home and his two children, Jason Smith (Leah Smith) of Ardmore and Jill Davis (Kasey Davis) of Norman. Also, his two brothers Harris S. Smith II and Dr. Adam Smith. Andy loved his four grandchildren: Lauren and Jackson Smith and Logan and Luke Davis. Andy also has many nieces, nephews, cousins, and several long-time friends.
