Christopher Smith

Services for Christopher C. Smith, 65, of Ada (formerly of Tulsa) will be at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at Criswell Funeral Home.  Pastor Earl Hood will officiate.

Chris died Friday, July 25 at Ballard Nursing Center from a devastating disease of the brain.  Chris was born January 28, 1960, in Oklahoma City as Baby Boy Nelson and at four days old he was adopted by his forever family Charles and Joan (Dean) Smith and named Christopher Clyde Smith after both his grandfathers.

Chris worked many years as a coffee sales rep as his day job to pay the bills but he pursued his dream job of working his side jobs at numerous dirt race tracks in Oklahoma and surrounding states to fulfill his heart. He was finally able to work in racing as his fulltime job for NCRA and ASCS racing organizations. His last employment before his health declined was as the promoter at Outlaw Motor Speedway in Muskogee, Oklahoma.

Chris lived a big happy life. He was a big talker, loved to travel, meet new people, and loved kids as he was just a big kid himself. One of his favorite things to do was get in the floor and wrestle with his niece and nephews. He never met a stranger and always wanted those around him to be happy and have as much fun as he was. Chris had a heart the size of Texas. But his passion was car racing. He traveled all over the United States to watch dirt track racing and he was friends with the drivers, promoters and the spectators. His mother-in-law used to tease him if we cracked his head open all we would find in there was little race cars going in circles.

Chris is survived by his ex-wife, Diana Jennings Smith of Ada, brother, Kenny Smith of Wilburton, sister-in-law, Jeannine Rutherford of Ada, brother-in-law, Randy Jennings and his wife Wanda of Fittstown, his aunt, Reba Blassingame of Depew and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is also survived by his special niece, VaNessa Miser and her husband Scottie for their compassionate care and his happiness the last few years of his life.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother Charles and Joan Smith.

Chris's vibrant spirit and fun-loving attitude will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.