Bruce Lee Smith was born May 23, 1963 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to Joan (Steeley) and Bill Lee "Buttermilk" Smith. After graduation from high school Bruce attended Northeastern State University and earned a bachelor's degree. He was employed as an accountant for the Cherokee Nation.

Bruce married the former Teresa Ann Wright on September 1, 1984. They shared their life together for more than 37 years and happily welcomed their son, Bryce Lee Smith, to their close knit family. The family continued to grow when Bryce married his wife, Tobi, and they were blessed with two children, Hunter and Mayzie Smith. Bruce's life centered around his family. He loved being with and watching his grandchildren play. He was always quick to call up friends and family to brag about his grandchildren and their activities.

Bruce loved to cook and was very good. His family fondly remembers how most of his dishes were delicious, but sometimes his adventurous "experiments" with recipes would not have so great an outcome. He enjoyed going to the movies. Bruce studied piano as a youth and liked to play his favorite recital piece, "House of the Rising Sun" for his family.

Viewing will be Tuesday, July 5 from 11 am until 7 pm at Mallett Funeral Home.

The Visitation will be from 5 pm until 7 pm Tuesday, when family and friends will gather at the funeral home.

The Funeral to celebrate Bruce's life will be at 10 am Wednesday in the Chapel at Mallett Funeral Home.

Interment will be in Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner. Pallbearers will be John Harrison, Logan Harrison, Ryan Harrison, Greg Hornbuckle, Sherrod Hornbuckle, Josh Martin, Derrick Steeley, Billy Wailes and Matt Wailes.