Olga "Oggie" Smith, 100, was born on November 17, 1917 in Onalaska to Solan and Emma (Churchill) Smith.  He passed away peacefully on Monday, March 19, 2018 in Groveton, Texas.

"Oggie" was committed to helping his friends and family to understand the urgency of using their rights and getting out to vote.  He encouraged much of the young African American voters to get out and vote during his youth.  He also loved the Lord and played an instrumental part in sharing his love by donating the land and helping to build the United Methodist Church of Josserand.  He belonged as a member to United Methodist Church of Josserand for numerous years.  "Oggie" loved the outdoors and especially shared a special love for spending time with horses and cattle.  He enjoyed everything there was about being a cowboy.  He was known to be the first African American to start trail rides in the east Texas area.  He was a true legend in his time and has left behind a legacy that will carry on throughout generations to come.  He loved his family very much and was loved and adored by his entire family.  He worked as a rancher and later established the 50-year Smith Annual Trail-ride, Rodeo and Reunion. He was also a past member of the Trailblazes Riding Club of Camden.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Baldwin Chapel Church of Groveton with Pastor Garry Brown officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery in Onalaska, Texas.

"Oggie" is preceded in death by his parents, Solan and Emma Smith; his wife, Bessie Mae Smith; brothers:  Garland, Smiler, Marcus, Lucas, and Solan Smith, Jr.; sisters:  Katy Green, Victoria Cotton, Truell Hobbs, and Winona Lowe. His survivors include his loving children:  daughter, Rita Danford and husband, Ben Danford of Fort Worth, Texas; daughter, Maretha Lawrence and husband, Kelly Lawrence of Groveton, Texas; son, James G. Smith of Groveton, Texas; son, Olga Otis Smith and wife, Stacy Smith of Groveton, Texas; daughter, Melanie Smith of Groveton, Texas; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers: Brandon Horace, Rolland Smith, Rodrick Smith, Reese Horace, Tony Danford, and Triston Johnson.

Honorary Pallbearers: Willie Medlock, Frank Johnson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Ben Danford

Please share your thoughts and memories on the Groveton Funeral Home Guestbook Page. Services arranged by Groveton Funeral Home, Directors.