Guy Clark Smith was born May 16, 1947, in Kadoka, South Dakota, the oldest child of George and Florence Smith. He grew up in Kadoka and graduated from Kadoka High School in 1964. He graduated with a bachelor degree and teaching certificate from Northern State University in 1968. After attending college, he joined the United States Marine Corp and served for 3 years. Guy considered his military service a formative period and often reflected on how being a Marine shaped his life.
Guy was united in marriage to Jeannie Drabek on January 26th, 1974. During their marriage, they were blessed with two children: Briana and Garr. Shortly after their wedding, Guy accepted a teaching position at Wall High School in Wall, South Dakota, where he taught for the next 28 years. Known as “Mr. Smith” to the hundreds of kids he taught throughout the years, he strived to help young people understand the world by instilling a foundation in current events, government, economics and history. He fundamentally believed that education could open the door to opportunities for every kid that walked into his classroom and intentionally created an environment that fostered open dialog and discussion. Years after his retirement, former students would often seek him out to express their gratitude for the lessons they learned in his third floor classroom. This meant the world to him, as he always said he taught because of the kids.
In 2002 he retired from teaching. A year later, he entered the world of business for the first time when he joined Golden West Telecom. Guy loved the opportunity to learn an entirely new industry and position, and took great pride in his work and the friends he made. He spent the next 10 years at Golden West, officially retiring in 2012.
For over 30 years, Guy enjoyed his morning ritual of joining his friends for coffee at the Auto Livery. He loved to fish and hunt, recounting especially fond memories of his time at deer camp. In his later years, he enjoyed evenings on the deck with Jeannie, watching his dogs play, spending time with his granddaughters and conversing with good friends.
Grateful for sharing his life are his wife Jeannie; a daughter Briana Naescher of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a son Garr (Leslie) Smith of Gillette, Wyoming; 2 granddaughters, Briauna and Kataleya; one sister, Cheryl (Gary) Leeper of Two Harbors, MN; and numerous friends.
Guy was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary Smith.
In lieu of flowers, a Guy Smith educational scholarship fund is being established.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 20th, 2016, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall.
Interment will be at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
Guest Book
Briana, Garr, and Jeannie,
My Deepest Sympathy. I was saddened to hear that Mr Smith had passed. May the Lord Be With You Now and Always. You are in my thoughts and prayers
~ Fawna Goff
Sturgis, SD (5/18/2016)
We are so sorry to hear about Guy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
~ Justin & Joyce Wheeler
Philip, SD (5/19/2016)
I met guy at Northern State College in Aberdeen and we were roommates one year. We shared the trials and tribulations of college students as well as many fun times. So glad that another friend, Ed Kentch, and myself were able to visit with Guy a couple of summers ago. God bless.
~ Dale Barstow
Sevierville, TN (5/23/2016)
Dear Jeannie and Family, Guy and I started teaching in Wall the same year. he truly was a great teacher, one I always respected. I think now and then of your Briana and our Jirdan being born on the same day. Many blessings to you, Jeannie and the family. You were a good friend. Guy was a good man!
~ Justine Pinard Estes
Rapid City, SD (5/20/2016)
Jeannie, Brianna, and Garr: I am so very saddened about Guy's passing and the loss of your husband and father. Jeannie, I always thought of Guy as your best friend. He was solid, smart, witty, and a natural mentor to young people. I'll be praying for all of you, especially on Friday at 10 a.m. May Guy rest in peace and be safe in the arms of Jesus. --Jayne R.--
~ Jayne A. Rock
Minneapolis (5/20/2016)
Jeanni, Briana and Garr- I'm so sorry for your loss. I have so many great memories of Guy, first as a teacher, and then a coworker. Your family will be in my prayers.
~ Jill Reinert
Wall, SD (5/18/2016)
THANKS FOR SERVING
~ A VETERAN
(5/21/2016)
Jeannie and family, so sorry to hear about your loss. Sending thoughts and prayers.
~ Brian Shepard
Henderson,NV (5/18/2016)
Mr. Smith was a great teacher and a wonderful person. My condolences to his family. He influenced many students during his teaching years and all for their betterment. He was one of those people you encounter during life's journey that was profound and enjoyable both. Rest in Peace and keep telling your military stories in heaven.
~ Claude Ramsey
Spearfish, SD (5/18/2016)
My deepest sympathy in your loss. Mr. Smith will always be part of my memories of high school
~ Lea Willuwet Ymker
Armour (5/19/2016)
Thoughts and prayers with Jeannie, Briana and Garr. I will always cherish the years living next door to you all and getting to say I was one of his many students. We are lucky to have had him in our lives. The few years he spent with a student, turned into a lifetime to of lessons and memories. He will forever remain an icon at Wall High School.
~ Matt Holub
Mason City, IA (5/19/2016)
I was so surprised and shocked to hear of Guy's passing. He was a wonderful instructor for Paula and Keith. They have many memories of him that they laughingly compare sometimes when together. Rest in peace.
~ Jane Sebade
Rural Rapid City (5/20/2016)
Smitty was One of the best men I have had the pleasure of knowing, so sorry for your loss Jeannie and family!!!
~ Stuart Livermont
Martin, SD (5/19/2016)
Blessing and prayers. Fondly remember Mr. Smith and all the life lessons he taught so many. God be with you all.
~ Tonya Venhuizen Matt
Sioux Falls, SD (5/19/2016)
Dear friend Jeannie, my heart broke at the news of Guy's passing. He was a special and unique man and won't be forgotten. He loved his family dearly. A good man. We love you and will see you Friday. God bless you all.
~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland
Philip, SD (5/19/2016)
My deepest condolences to all of you. Some of my most memorable moments from high school were in Mr. Smith's classes. He was genuine and had a real no-nonsense approach to teaching. He will definitely be missed.
~ Warren Werner
Seward, NE (5/19/2016)
My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this sorrowful time. Mr. Smith is definitely a teacher I'll never forget.
~ Chas Jobgen Fleshner
Olivet, SD (5/20/2016)
Dear Jeannie & family, Sad to hear of Guy's death. I have fond memories of visiting in Kadika at the motel, his folks owned. Guy, along with cousin Betty Fiala & myself are the same age and all 3 of us graduated in 1964. He truly exemplified "Semper Fi" (always faithful".
~ Jeff Lester, M.D.
Elk City, Oklahoma (5/21/2016)
Your family is in my thought and prayers. He was an awesome teacher and taught all of us so many things. He inspired all of us to work hard for what we wanted. I have so many memories of his classes and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.
~ Crystal Deal
Wall (5/19/2016)
Jeannie & Family... thinking of you at this sad time...I so enjoyed getting to know Guy at Golden West..loved his sense of humor! He will be greatly missed.
~ Dale & Barb Patterson
Wall, SD (5/20/2016)
To the family of Guy Smith...I really enjoyed having him for a teacher. I still see him perched on his chair or the heater..my mom enjoyed him also..my thoughts and prayers are with all of you
~ Gloria Mortensen
Belle Fourche, SD (5/18/2016)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in Peace Guy.
~ Dale and Penny Baumann
Quinn, SD (5/19/2016)
Jeannie and family,
I am so deeply sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Amy Thompson
Rapid City, SD (5/18/2016)
Sorry to hear about your loss. Mr. Smith will truely be missed. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
~ Ronald Johannesen
Victoria TX (5/20/2016)
Jeannie and family - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.
~ Janet Hansen
Rapid City, SD (5/19/2016)
Jeanie and Family------Sorry to hear about the Passing of Guy,
~ Digger Beckwith
Spearfish (5/20/2016)
I am saddened to hear of Guy's passing but there is comfort knowing that he is going Home. My prayers are with you and your family, Jeannie.
~ Susanne Greenseth
Canyon Lake, Texas (5/20/2016)
Jeannie & Family ~ My thoughts and prayers are with you with the passing of Guy. He was a powerful educator whose passion in that role spoke volumes about his integrity and soul. I and so many others were very privileged to study under his guidance. Peace and blessings to you.
~ Kim Poppe-Smart
Arizona (5/20/2016)