Fields Samuel Smith

Fields Samuel Smith, age 92, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away on May 11, 2026. He was born on November 14, 1933, in the Box Community of Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, to Mary (Bark) Smith and Sam Redbird Smith.

Mr. Smith honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean War era and was stationed at Fort Sill. A proud first speaker of the Cherokee language, he graduated from Sequoyah High School and was a graduate of the Sequoyah Boarding School. Throughout his life, Mr. Smith shared his love of baseball by coaching little league for over 50 years, with his coaching continuing until 2017, supported by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fields also played ball against baseball legend, Mickey Mantle, and was the subject of a book recognizing his remarkable life.

He worked at Sequoyah Fuels until its closure, held positions at Blue Ribbon Downs and Vian Public School, including service as a truant officer, and served as a Road Foreman for Skeet McEver. His dedication was recognized through numerous awards, including being named Vian’s Favorite Son in 2013, receiving the Cherokee Warrior Award for his military service, and the Cherokee Language Treasure award. 

Mr. Smith married Dorothy (Cowett) Smith on October 3, 2015, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He lovingly cared for his sister, Wanita, and was preceded in death by two sons, Samuel Lynn Smith and Richard Smith; two daughters, Ruby Chapman and Shannon Boyd; great-grandson Chord Chapman; his parents; siblings Peachy, Leon, Leo, Wanita, Ralph, Lahoma, Sequoyah, and Edith Smith; and close family member Alice.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy; his children, Dwayne Smith and Kris of Gore, OK, Jeff Smith and Debbie of Vian, OK, Karen Richardson and Donald of Brighton, TN, Dottie Justice and Loye of Paris, TX, Ronnie Baldwin and Trish of Sallisaw, OK, Danny Cobb and Angela of Rudy, AR, Lahoma Burns of Sallisaw, OK, Tim Grisham of Hot Springs, AR, Sandra Locust of Gore, OK, and Daniella Boyd of Northwest Arkansas. Also surviving are 28 grandchildren, Shaun, Shane, Sammy, Nelson, Spencer, Tara, Deidra, R.J., Zach, Nicole, Courtney, Chad, Anthony, Heather, Chase, Hannah, Emily, Ella, Brandon, Audra, Nicole, Alea, Danny-Zane, Avery, Braxton, Chloe, Meagan, and Jeffrey; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; along with many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Vian Assembly of God Church in Vian, Oklahoma, with burial following at Box Cemetery in Vian. Viewing will be from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday at Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Home in Sallisaw, where the family will receive guests from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Active pallbearers include Spencer Smith, Jeff Smith, Sammy Smith, Danny Cobb, Mark Collins, and T.D. Sovo. Honorary pallbearers will be Loye Justice, Don Richardson, Dwayne Smith, Ronnie Baldwin, Bill Baker, E.O. Smith, Jr., Don Robertson, and Rabbit Hartt.

Fields Samuel Smith’s life was a testament to resilience, dedication, and community spirit. He will be remembered by all who knew him.