Albert Smith

Albert Smith, Sr. (also known as Spike and Bub) was born to the late Harold and Bernice Cowan Smith on March 20, 1939 in McRae, Arkansas. He was the eldest son and patriarch of the family. Albert was always wise beyond his years. He left the home place at the age of 15 in order to work and help care for his mother, brothers, and sisters.  He always felt compelled to care for others and often put their needs before his own.

Albert was a member of the Mount Arratt Baptist Church. Although he didn’t attend on a regular basis, there is no doubt he accepted Christ as his personal savior and had a relationship with God. He often referenced Bible verses and gave verbal thanks to the “Maker.”

Albert was employed by Union Pacific Railroad and a jack of all trades, master of none. He loved farm equipment, but he wasn’t much of a repairman. He was known for patching and hammering everything from dump trucks to cars. He knew the value of a good piece of land and took pride in purchasing several acres for his children. His most prized possession was his farm. He was proud to be a hard-working, Black, landowner.

Albert was a jokester who nicknamed and poked fun at everyone. No one was immune from his quick wit and humor. He literally had a comeback for everything, and he loved reminiscing with his sisters about their childhood.

Albert tolerated his children, liked his grandchildren, loved his great-grandchildren  (“Big Mean” – Brandon; “Jingles” – Baylee; “Bug Eyes” -  Ashanta; “Maury Jay” – Kamauryi; “Obama” – Brenton; “Noddle Girl”- Kyleigh; “Nathan”- Lathan; “Moo Moo” – Milan; “Glow Bug” - Glory “Ray Ray”- Raina; and “Big Girl” – Nova, who was born on his birthday), and he absolutely adored his great-great grandchildren (“Little Big Mean, Little Red, Little Bitty Baby” – Logan and “Apple Jack” – Kreedance).

Albert leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 61 years, “Old Lady” - Rosie Smith, who he loved to aggravate; daughters, “Suzie Bell” – Kim Bailey, “Bess” - Martha (Jackie) Farmer, and Mary Smith all of Beebe, Arkansas; sons, “Dobug” - Albert (Elizabeth) Smith, Jr. of Overlandpark, Kansas, “Pigeon” - Harold Smith of Beebe, Arkansas, and “Toadfrog” - Lawrence (Dana) Smith of Conway, Arkansas; one brother, Richard Smith of Kensett, Arkansas; seven sisters, Ruby Turner of Searcy, Arkansas, Geneva Harshaw of Beebe, Arkansas, Alma Washington of Carlisle, Arkansas, Mildred Brown of Kensett, Arkansas, Linda Frierson of Beebe, Arkansas, Judy Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Barbara Brown of Wyoming, Delaware; Goddaughter, Dorene Mellon of Beebe, Arkansas; 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren; an uncle, Richard Smith (RC); a special sister-in-law, Francis Hendrix; 3 dear nephews, Bo Turner, Houston Dupriest, and Glenn Neely; lifelong friends, Leroy Snow, William Hadley, Pastor James Hart, Brownie Hendrix, Bobby Bailey, and Randy Fuller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Harold and Bernice Smith; brother, Thomas Smith; sisters, Mary Alice Hood and Bonnie Stoltz; beloved uncle, Howard Smith; and Road Dog, Sam Johnson.

In the words of Albert, “I lived, I died, much obliged!”