Obituaries

John Smith, Sr., age 83, a longtime resident of Conway and previously of Fort Smith, AR, died peacefully at his residence on January 12, 2023. He was born in Fort Smith on January 3, 1940 and graduated from Northside High School. He served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps from 1958 until being honorably discharged in 1962. After his military time, he worked for many years as a supervisor for Arkla Gas and Electric. His hobbies included golf, listening to smooth jazz and his favorite group, Earth Wind and Fire, drawing, going to the beach, riding the waves and enjoying his favorite chocolate shakes from Sonic, playing softball for many years for the Boozers, an over 35 team, flag football, watching Lucky Dog on television every Saturday morning and coaching and watching his children and grandchildren play various sports. He was also a huge fan of Arkansas football and had the pleasure of attending a Razorback home game with one of his grandsons. He also had a fondness and enjoyment of the family hot milk cake and was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

John is survived by his children, Dotty Turner of San Diego, CA, Debby Tipton of Little Rock, John Smith JR of Fort Smith, AR; his grandchildren, Brooke, John III, Joanna, Brittany, Cody, and Bella Smith; five great grandchildren; and his sister, Mandy Jones of Birmingham, AL. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cindy Smith. They met in 1958 were married for 30 years before her death in 1989.

Family and friends are invited to join in John’s life celebration on Sunday, January 15 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Bibleway Funeral Home and Crematory, 8245 Baseline Road, Ft Smith, AR. Online condolences may be left for the family at the funeral home's website.