Ralph Sumers Smoote
November 15, 1962 - June 15, 2020
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Ralph Sumers Smoote
November 15, 1962 - June 15, 2020
Obituary
Ralph Sumers Smoote was born to Lucille Riser Smoote and Artie Raymond Smoote, Sr. in Tulsa, Oklahoma on 15 November 1962 . He spent his school years attending Ralph Bunche Elementary, Marion Anderson Junior High and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1981. Ralph found Christ at a very early age and was a long time member of First Baptist Church of North Tulsa and sang in the choir.
His college years were spent at Langston University whereby he played football until experiencing a career ending ankle injury. He continued his educational pursuit in Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma. Ralph found great joy in mentoring young males particularly at Lloyd E Rader Intensive Treatment Center where he served as a Youth Guidance Counselor. He held various service jobs often mentoring today’s youth by coaching football and basketball at his beloved alma mater, BTW where he offered sage advice to those who would listen. He completed his career with Muncy Machine Tools and eventually retired to the Golf Course. He was an avid golfer and participated in an annual tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. where he often led the prayer before the brothers hit the golf course. He experienced Brotherhood through his fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Alpha Pi Chapter and became an official member in the Spring of 1982.
Like his father, Ralph loved family and people and there were many times you might catch him and the boys engaging in a game of “garage dominoes” or cards when the opportunity presented itself.
Ralph is preceded in death by his beloved parents, a brother, Dennis Marshall, Jr. and Sister, Dorothy Marie Ponder. He is survived by his wife, Carmen Smoote, Three sons, Keenan Works, Landon Sumers Smoote and Logan Dion Smoote. A brother, Artie R. Smoote, II, Sister, Ramona Smoote-Conde (Wilson), Four nieces Pamela Hunter-Hagenbeck,(Brian) Marguerite Peebles, Shendaha Marshall and Ericka Conde. Three Nephews, Raymond Shipps (Gloria), Raymond Smoote Conde(Terra) and Roman Conde and a host of Great nieces and nephews.
Ralph was known to text scriptures to those he loved first thing in the morning. The family would like to share his final thoughts.
“Now do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No. God is the one I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ”
Galatians 1:10
Funeral Service
- Date & Time: June 24, 2020 (12:00 PM)
- Venue: First Baptist Church-North Tulsa
- Location: 1414 N. Greenwood Tulsa`, Oklahoma - (Get Directions)
28 responses to Ralph Sumers Smoote
Eilene Collier-Palmer says:
June 30, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family may god comfort you during your time of grief. Losing a love one can never be easy but god is always by your side he will see you through. I'll miss you neighbor honking as i pass and you guys waving to me as I pass. Rest in Peace….
Kenneth Williams says:
July 5, 2020
I worked with Ralph at Lloyd Rader Intensive Treatment Center in Sand Springs, OK. Ralph completed our treatment team and brought laughter and dedication to our workplace. I will always remember Ralph as good person. I will defintley miss him. Until we meet again. Boss, Boss, Boss!
Janet says:
November 13, 2022
So sad to learn of Ralph’s passing on. I worked with this great gentleman at Central Oklahoma Juvenile Treatment Center from 1992 through 1997. He was a conscientious professional and a gift to all who knew him, whether they knew it or not. His sons were just small at that time and were his pride and joy. I cannot say enough to express what a good person Ralph was. I am sorry to be learning of his passing over a year and a half later. I moved to Colorado after I retired in 2006. Deepest condolences to his wife, sons and extended family. I know his passing was a great loss. I trust knowing he is with his Lord is a comfort. Rest in peace old friend. You earned and deserve that rest. Know that you did a wonderful, excellent job.