Orville Gene “OG” Smith

Orville Gene “OG” Smith, 87, of Wichita Falls, passed away Friday, February 7, 2025.

A son of the late Eskar Arville and Carrie Bernice (Goforth) Smith, Orville was born on June 8, 1937, in Soper, Oklahoma.  He graduated from Soper High School, and spent several years working in the oil fields until going to work at General Motors Assembly Plant in Arlington in 1963.  He held many positions there from working on the assembly line to serving as a Union Stewart.  In 1995, OG retired after 31 years from General Motors Assembly Plant.

OG loved rodeoing and riding bucking bulls and broncs.  He loved owning and raising horses, training them and racing horses.  In December of 1987, at Ross Downs, OG earned Trainer of the Month.  He had a special talent figuring out what family lines would cross and produce runners.  OG raised a lot of winners and had horses that were champions, setting multiple track records at racetracks in several states.

Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his son, Ricky Gene Smith; his sister, Eloise Smith Darnell; and his granddaughter, Brandi Lee Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Grass Smith; his children, Trina Roxanne and husband Steve Jackson, Rex David and wife Kay Smith, Regina Lynn and husband Dion Baggett, and Gene Rance and wife Tracy Smith; his half-brother, Gary Smith; his half-sisters, Paula Lowrance, and Carla Smith; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, cousins, family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Home in Wichita Falls.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.