William Sherman Smith

WILLIAM S. SMITH February 18, 1952 - April 7, 2021 Will was born in Borger, Texas to Sherman and Mary Frances Hoke Smith. He was raised in Tulsa OK where he was still friends with some of his classmates from Eliot Elementary, Edison Junior and Senior High School. His sister, Susan, said between them and their mother, there was always some cahoots and laughter going on. When their mother was still living, Will had lunch with her every Saturday and they had hot dogs or pizza which made Susie jealous...even though she lived in Colorado Springs. Fond memories. During these happy years Will began his ice-skating career in Singles and National Pairs with his sister, Susan, representing the Tulsa Figure Skating Club until his competitive career ended when he went to college. His ice skating career, however, did not end and it became a life-long passion. He started competitive judging in college which continued throughout his life. Will graduated from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, CO with a degree in Anthropology. He was also a graduate in International Business from the Thunderbird International School in Phoenix Arizona. He studied in Tokyo, Japan as well. His entire business career was at Service Drilling Company in Tulsa OK where he was ViceChairman of the Board in charge of natural gas contracts, land and legal work. In Tulsa, Will was a Board Trustee of Saint Simeon's Foundation and Saint Simeon's Home and Vice Chairman of the YMCA of Greater Tulsa. He was an Advisory Director of the Mental Health Association Oklahoma, Director of the Tulsa Boys Home and Tulsa Ballet Theatre. He was a longtime member of the Rotary Club of Tulsa-Downtown, Southern Hills Country Club and a Sigma Chi Fraternity alumni. He was also a Life Master Bridge player. Will was Trustee of the William S. Smith Charitable Trust and Co-Trustee, along with his sister, Susan Smith Burghart, of the Sherman E. Smith Family Charitable Foundation. Will was a significant supporter of Colorado College and was named "Alumni of the Year" in 2019. He was thrilled he was able to attend and accept his award in person. Will's philanthropy included his father's alma mater, Oklahoma State University. He was a generous supporter of his business affiliations and a number of projects throughout the Tulsa community. We are sorry he will not see the completion of our new Gilcrease Museum here in Tulsa but he will be remembered as a generous admirer and supporter. He passionately supported Tulsa's "Gathering Place". It was a blessing for Will. He was thrilled to see it from the beginning stages and development. He thoroughly enjoyed getting to gather with friends and being able to visit it as often as he could. During his working ice skating career he had numerous international judging assignments which took him around the world. He visited Hiroshima in Japan and was in attendance when the Berlin Wall came down in Europe. Will said travel was education in itself. U. S. Figuring Skating will pay tribute and recognize Will during their upcoming Governing Council meeting later this month. He will be honored as a 50-year Judge and acknowledged as a former Vice President of United States Figure Skating. Will was an international Skating Union Championship Referee and Judge, including World Championships and the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy. His presence and quick humor will be missed by so many. It would be an honor if you would like to make a donation of your choice in Will's memory. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Moore's Southlawn 918-663-2233 share memories at www.moorefuneral.com