Memorial service Saturday
A memorial service for Zachary Paul Smith Sr., 49, of Sand Springs will be held Saturday at Reach Church.
Smith left Sand Springs on Dec. 8, 2024, and his skeletal remains were found on April 13 on the bank of a creek that runs through Rattlesnake Hollow in a remote area of northwest McIntosh County.
What happened during the four months remains a mystery.
The OSBI continues to investigate.
How and why he died is not known.
A group of hunters looking for turkeys and morel mushrooms found the body, which was located several miles from where his yellow 2023 Corvette was found abandoned at the Dustin exit off the Indian Nation Turnpike south of Henryetta.
To get to the body, deputy sheriffs had to go deep into the country, cross a couple of cattle guards, then go north to a residence and pond where they then followed a trail north 1.8 miles where the body was on the east bank of the creek.
Many mysteries remain, but an obituary by Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs gives a glimpse into this life.
Born on January 22, 1976, in Virginia, He grew up in the Jenks community and attended Jenks High School, where he was a talented athlete, wrestling and playing basketball.
He worked as a traveling electrician and also served as an EMT with several fire departments, including Black Mud Fire Department in Kentucky and Yorktown Fire Department in Indiana.
According to the obituary, “Zach had a brilliant mind and entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. He flipped houses, launched businesses, and in 2017, he and Kathy proudly opened Electrical Alliances.
“He was a master electrician, a barbecue enthusiast (especially known for his brisket), and a fireworks showman who put on unforgettable 4th of July celebrations.
“Whether grilling in the backyard, cracking jokes, or just connecting with people, Zach had a way of making everyone feel seen and important.”
“Zach’s legacy is one of passion, laughter, adventure, and deep love for his family. He was infamous and legendary, hilarious, and generous, intelligent and hardworking— forever the spark in every gathering, and forever missed.”
