Southwestern Oklahoma State Athletics

A graduate of Hollis High School, Smith was an all-conference offensive and defensive tackle for the Bulldogs on the 1952, 1953 and 1954 teams. In 1954, he became the first SWOSU football player to earn NAIA All-American honors. He graduated in 1955 with a double major in physical education and social studies. Smith would coach and teach at Shamrock, Texas before going into the business world as the founder of the Pioneer Nursing Centers, Inc. The operation grew in scope over the next decade, with Smith overseeing the handling of 35 nursing centers across a three-state region. He sold his share in the company in 1969. He would later serve as president of Cotru, Inc. and Truco Properties. The two companies together employ more than 1,300 people.