Guy Smith

    Guy Smith, age 69, of Wall, S.D., died on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, in Pierre.
    Guy Clark Smith was born May 16, 1947, in Kadoka, 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, Aberdeen, in 1968. After attending college, he joined the United States Marine Corps and served for three 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 Jan. 26, 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 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, Minn., a son, Garr (Leslie) Smith of Gillette, Wyo.; two granddaughters, Briauna and Kataleya; one sister, Cheryl (Gary) Leeper of Two Harbors, Minn.; and numerous friends.
    Guy was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Gary Smith.
    An educational scholarship fund is being established in Guy’s name.
    Memorial services were held Friday, May 20, at the First Lutheran Church in Wall with Pastor Ray Greenseth officiating.
    Interment was at the Black Hills National Cemetery near Sturgis.
    Arrangements were with Rush Funeral Home of Wall.