Oliver Wayne ‘OW’ Smith.
– Oliver Wayne “OW” Smith went to be with the Lord on January 31, 2025. He was born to Curtis Reo Smith and Reba (Blakeney) Smith on January 26, 1938 in Turkey, Texas. OW married the woman of his dreams, Nancy Druell Doherty, on June 28, 1969. They met at the Outrigger Restaurant in San Luis Obispo, CA., and were married shortly thereafter. OW‘s immense love for Nancy could only be matched by his love for his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
OW served in the Army Reserve for 8 years before working as a restaurant cook, and later working for the California Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo for over 25 years as a correctional officer where he retired in 1993 as a Lieutenant. He was known by staff as a person who was “tough, but fair.” OW cherished the 3-acre property that he and Nancy built from the ground up called Gopher Hill. He was a licensed Amateur Ham radio operator and an excellent Morse code user communicating with people all around the world. In addition, OW ministered in various nursing homes with gospel music as he sang and played his guitar.
Their trips to Morro Bay where they took walks with their dog were often completed with a fish and chips dinner at the Dockside restaurant. Whenever OW would learn about some new invention or hear of a great idea, he would respond with “that’s awesome.” He had a great love for God’s Word and good preaching, which he watched often on television.
A teacher that significantly influenced his theology and life overall was Les Feldick. OW never hesitated to share his faith with others as he wanted them to know the hope and forgiveness that comes through receiving Jesus Christ as Savior. I can only imagine how OW must have reacted as he entered heaven’s gates, likely with a “this is awesome.”
OW will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 55 years, Nancy, his bonus children: Dennis and Cynthia Richards, his bonus grandchildren: Wesley (Jessica) Richards, Eden Richards, bonus great-grandson: Tate, his dog, Kimmy, nieces and nephews, and close friends, Pat and Lenora Shealy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Reo Smith and Reba Blakeney, his siblings, Bonnie, George, Rose, Retha, and Reo (RC).
The family would like to offer their heartfelt appreciation and thankfulness for the loving, compassionate care OW received from the Central Coast Home Health care staff, especially nurse Erin, and the Sierra Vista ICU and Stepdown unit staff!
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