Howard Smith

Howard Wendell Smith December 14, 1941 – November 3, 2025

Howard Wendell Smith was born in Ada, Oklahoma, on December 14, 1941, to Wendell and Winona Smith. He passed away on November 3, 2025, at the age of 83.

A true foodie at heart, Howard was a lifelong restaurant entrepreneur in Tulsa. Over the years, he owned and operated several beloved establishments, including S & J Oyster Bar, Ma Bell’s, Across the Street, and Da Boat. A businessman in every sense of the word, Howard combined his passion for food with an extraordinary entrepreneurial spirit.

Beyond his work, Howard loved to travel the world and even spent time living abroad, always eager to experience new cultures and cuisines. Closer to home, one of his favorite retreats was his place in Taos, New Mexico.

Above all else, Howard’s greatest joy was his family. His children were the light of his life, and through them his legacy will continue for generations to come.

Howard is survived by his son, Jeff, and wife, Becky; daughters Leslie (Ken), Laura (Joe), and Katie (Frank); seven grandchildren — Ben, Dayton, Hannah, Avery, Keely, Kamryn, and Ryker, and three great-granddaughters, Adalie, Alexandra, and Macie.

He will be remembered for his love, generosity, and great sense of humor. In the last several years, his favorite bucket hats became his signature touch that reflected his unique spirit and zest for life.

Howard W. Smith’s favorite quote by Mark Twain sums up the essence of who he was……….“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

Please join us in celebrating the life of Howard Smith on Friday, November 7th from 2 - 4 pm. Come by anytime between those hours to share a memory and honor him.

To honor Howard's lifelong dedication to helping others, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider a tribute gift to Tarrant Area Food Bank, continuing his legacy of feeding our communities.