Some of the most common responses that you will hear about Max Smiley are “one of the good guys” and “a very nice man.”
The former Guthrie educator and head football coach will be laid to rest with a memorial service on Thursday in Tecumseh.
He was 61.
Smiley was raised in Crescent, where he graduated high school in 1970, and went on to graduate from Central State College (UCO) in 1974.
He started his coaching and teaching career in Guthrie from 1975 to 1987. He later moved to Shawnee High School, before moving to McLoud High School where he currently was coaching.
Smiley, who was an assistant coach for four seasons under Mike Sperry, was named the head coach for the 1979 season and would stroll the sidelines for nine straight seasons. He ranks third in games coached for the Jays.
Smiley piled up 42 wins at Guthrie to place him third all-time in wins at the school.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters.
I remember coach Smiley as a man of few words but a very likeable guy. It is also sad to see his wife had died. He will be missed and I wish only the best for his children and remaining family may he rest in peace.