Randy Linton Smith Sr. aka Big Poppa, Bad Habit and Big Randy to many whom loved him dearly was given the gift of life on Tuesday April 12, 1955 in Anadarko, Oklahoma to the late Harriet Dimples (Linton) Darling and had to unexpectedly give the precious gift of life back on Tuesday July 14, 2020 in St. Lyons, Georgia while doing what he loved.
Randy was raised in Anadarko by his late grandparents T.W. (Bud) and Velma Linton. His grandparents loved him dearly and helped mold him into the strong, courageous, stubborn, loving, empowering, one of a kind, God fearing person that he was. He was a graduate of the Anadarko graduating class of 1974. During his high school days he participated in football and various other activities. He always continued to be an avid and faithful Anadarko Warrior fan after high school and wore his purple and gold proudly. After high school Randy tried his luck at college in Colorado and attempted the military but his football injuries to his knee, women and partying disqualified him.
Randy finally found his passion in 1977 when the late Fred Opitz from Binger, Oklahoma gave him his lifetime opportunity of being a truck driver. He continued being a cross country truck driver chasing the next load for the next 43 years. He drove for many prominent trucking companies with his last load being with Roadrunner Trucking out of Woodward, Oklahoma. He drove millions of miles throughout his career with every single one of them being accident free. This spoke volumes to the legacy that Bad Habit left behind in the trucking world. Two of his son's Ricky and Jason are carrying on the Habit Legacy. Ricky following in his Dad/Best Friends foot steps driving cross country for Stout trucking out of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Although his life was taken too soon, he lived a good life. He married four times, well maybe five times but we don't talk about number one and he actually married Dana twice. Randy never met a stranger but he did raise hell every chance he got. He loved people, family, food, church, trucking, riding his Harley and most of all being Big Poppa to not only his grandkids but to every kid that crossed his path. Although we will miss his charisma, the way the room lit up when he walked in, how he loved to talk, how he never met a stranger, his daily update on Facebook as he traveled the world and all of the delicious food pictures he posted.
We know he was a God Fearing man and was a faithful man of God. He is now chasing his loads on the Golden Highways of heaven with no worries, no pain, and he is in the arms of the loved one's that he missed dearly.
Big Randy is celebrating in heaven with his mother and step father Cliff and Dimples Darling, grandparents Bud and Velma Linton, Aunt Laverne Marrs, Aunt Regina Parrish, Uncle Billy Linton, Cousin's Gordon Key and Tommy Key, and Cousin Gordon Key's son Tommy Key. Along with many other friends and relatives that he made during his journey called life.
Randy is survived by a world of people who loved and cherished him including his baby brother Ricky Darling, niece's Emma Darling and Paige and Jordan Garner. Beloved children: Jason Nelson, wife Larissa; Christopher Holder, wife Lindy; Ricky Linton Smith; Susan (Smith) McMillan, husband Larry; Randy Linton Smith Jr, and Jeff Smith, wife Kimberly. Big Poppa's grandchildren: Kristen Hooper; Rachael Slagell; Raylen Nelson and fiancé Justin Wilson; Jason Nelson; Luke Nelson; Tranquil "TJ" Holder; Hayden Holder; Cadence "Cady" Holder; Paige Couch and husband Josiah; Dustin Smith; Makinzi Smith; Trever Smith; Blayke Smith; Justin "Buster"McNamar; Bailei McNamar; Kristen "KP" McNamar; Anthony "AJ" Reyes Jr; Connor McMillan; Trenton Smith; Kailyn Smith; and Blake Smith. His only great grand baby Alizaye Wilson daughter of Raylen Nelson and fiancé Justin Wilson. There are numerous other friends, loved ones, and a world full of people that Randy made an impact on their lives that he is survived by.
A celebration of life service will be held at The Lost Cowboy Church located 3 miles North of Gracemont, Oklahoma on Highway 281 on Saturday July 25th 2020 at 11:00 am with Pastor Billy Harmon Officiating. A meal will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to The Lost Cowboy Church, 21067 CR 1230, Gracemont, Oklahoma 73042.
Under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home, Anadarko, OK.