John Clayton Smith

John Clayton Smith died in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on July 15, 2026, just a little over a month after his mother passed. Clayton valiantly fought Parkinson’s disease for several years. He was born in Muskogee on July 8, 1959, the fourth of eight children born to Robert Junie “Chief” Smith and Mary Margaret Smith. He attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School, Alice Robertson Junior High, and Muskogee High School. It was at MHS that Clayton played football for the Roughers, earning a letter jacket and a spot in 1978 as an All-State center. Clayton was a lively child who was known for his quick wit, faultless mimicry, and athletic ability. He had a beautiful smile that many who knew him commented upon. He excelled at clever teasing and recounting stories about the people he encountered at school and work, often performing spot-on impressions of them. He helped organize neighborhood football games with his brothers, neighbors Scott and Jack Beck, and his best friend Tom Hebb, and any other kids who wanted to play. He was a fair person and a natural leader who often settled disputes among the players. Clayton also developed a love for golf. He and his brothers turned their backyard into a miniature golf course. Initially, they used whiffle ball bats and plastic golf balls but soon started accumulating real golf equipment. Later Clayton would acquire his own clubs and golf in area courses with his brothers and friends. He loved music and briefly took up the clarinet. Fortunately, for his family, he abandoned that instrument in favor of guitar. Over the years, he honed his playing skills and became a decent musician. He composed several instrumental pieces including “Gracie Girl,” “Cristian Boy,” and “Taylor’s Lullaby,” which were dedicated to his grandchildren Ashlyn Grace, Cristian, and Taylor, respectively. He also wrote humorous tunes such as “Chiggers and Ticks,” a song about the perils of walking in the woods, and “Twister’s A’ Comin,’” about the hazards of living in Oklahoma’s Tornado Alley. One of his fondest memories was playing guitar with his Cristian. Beginning in grade school, Clayton earned pocket money as a paperboy for the Muskogee Daily Phoenix for several years. In the summers during his high school years, he baled hay and did various construction jobs. After a year at Oklahoma State University, Clayton returned to Muskogee and worked odd jobs until he landed a spot at Brockway Glass. It was here that he met and fell in love with his wife Terry. The couple dated for several years and married in 2000. While dating, Clayton also fell in love with Terry’s children and happily took on the role of father in their lives. He and Terry were married for 26 years and were together for 38. The couple lovingly provided childcare for their precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Clayton and Terry and the children benefited from this loving home filled with laughter. Clayton had a magnetic personality, but he avoided attention. Despite this shyness, many people admired him and considered him their good friend. Children especially were drawn to Clayton. It was a rite of passage in the family to climb up on this gentle man and play fight with him, with Clayton providing sound effects and WWE-style knock downs. Clayton was preceded in death by his sister Mary Rebecca “Becky” Smith, grandson Cristian Compton, and nephew Calvin Gregrey Smith. He is survived by his wife Terry; children Susan and Jim Hight; Jeremy and Brittany Travis, and Crystal and Chris Compton; siblings Margaret Susan “Margie” and Dan Inderrieden, Junie Robert Smith, Patrick David Smith, Stephen Thomas and Linda Mattingly-Smith, Francis Bruce Smith, Elizabeth Anne Smith, and Tracy Fletcher Smith; Aunt Elizabeth M. Hickey; and Uncle James R. Jones. Grandchildren are Jimmy, Tyler, and Baylee Hight; Dustin and Ayden Travis; and Taylor, Ethan, Ashlyn, and Adison Compton. Great grandchildren are Camden, Eevie, and Miley Compton (children of Cristian); and Grayson Compton (son of Taylor). Clayton also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

John Clayton Smith

July 8, 1959 - July 15, 2026