Hendrik Jacobus Griezel "Jack" Smith

We mourn the loss of Hendrik Jacobus Griezel “Jack” Smith, 91, a hardworking family man, born on April 18, 1933, in Brakpan, South Africa, to Johannes Marthinus Smith and Kathleen Helen (Griezel) Smith. Jack left his earthly body on Saturday, April 20, 2024, peacefully at home, with his family by his side.

Jack grew up and graduated high school in South Africa. He worked as a boilermaker for HEG Engineering for several years. On November 11, 1961, Jack married the love of his life, Catharina Cornelia Du Plessis.

In his free time, Jack enjoyed being outdoors. He enjoyed fishing and numerous sports. When Jack was younger, he enjoyed playing rugby, soccer, and cricket. Jack also enjoyed horse racing. He always liked to stay busy and was known to be a hard worker. He worked until he was 71 years old, rebuilding and tuning cars. After retiring, Jack liked to sit on the back porch, with a cup of coffee and a cigarette and look out on the pastures. He also loved watching boxing, Westerns and fishing shows.

Jack loved his family and found joy in spending time with them, and he will be deeply missed by the people that loved him.

Jack always helped others and would annoy Mom by handing out money to the kids as soon as he got his paycheck.  He never spoke badly of anyone, and his belief was to "Do to others as you would have them do to you."

Jack is preceded in death by his son: Cobus Smith, grandson: Johnathan Smith, and his brother: Bill Smith.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jack include his wife of 61 years: Catharina Smith of Nowata, OK; his children: Johnny Smith of South Africa; and Yvette Scamardo of Nowata, OK and his siblings: Anna Fouche of South Africa, Kathleen D’Arrigo of South Africa, Cathrine Elizabeth Barnard of South Africa, and Dolores Dunn of South Africa; his 10 grandchildren; his 8 great-grandchildren, as well as other family members and several friends.
 
A memorial service for Mr. Smith will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel. Arrangements have been trusted to the caring staff of Benjamin Funeral Service. Online condolences may be left at on the website at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com