Perry William Smith, Jr. was born at the family home in New Underwood, SD, on October 17, 1931, to Perry and Amanda (Sattler) Smith. He lived his childhood with his parents and siblings on the ranch in Hereford, SD. Perry attended grade school at Doyle and attended New Underwood High School his freshman year.
He served during the Korean War in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954.
In October of 1954, Perry met the love of his life at a dance in Whitewood, SD. Perry and Carol Whittaker were married October 22, 1955. They rented the Stoakley Tibble farm until January 1960 when they bought the Knute Kjorness ranch on Middle Brushie Creek southwest of Faith, SD. Perry and Carol were blessed with eight children; Sandra, Dixie, Wanda, Penny, Doug,
Kevin, Monte, and Greg.
He spent 55 years devoted to ranching, raising his children, and enjoying his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. "His heritage to his children wasn't words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and father."
Perry, 85, of Rapid City, died Monday, August 7, 2017, at Rapid City Regional Hospice House.
Perry is survived by his wife, Carol; children, Sandra (Maynard) Gjevre, Dixie (Mike) Briggs, Penny (Ron) Weifenbach, Doug (Penny) Smith, Kevin (Jimie) Smith, Monte (Stacy) Smith, and Greg (Lindy) Smith; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Schuetpelz and Nylia (Harold) Severson; and brothers, Rob Smith and Tom (Linda) Smith.
Perry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack Smith and Keith Smith; sister, Karen (Smith) Delbridge; sister-in-law, Kay Smith; brother-inlaw, Wesley Schuetpelz; and his precious daughter, Wanda Rae Smith.
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for the Faith and Opal Fire Departments.

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