Guy R. Smith

Guy R. Smith, age 84, passed away March 21, 2011 from complications of heart failure. He was born September 7, 1926 in Stephens, Ark. to the late Guy Smith and Stella Young Smith. At 17 years of age, with the blessing of his mother and her signature, he joined the U.S. Navy serving in the Philippines during World War II. Returning home, he attended A&M College (now Southern Arkansas University) in Magnolia on a GI Bill and went on to graduate with a business and engineering degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1949. Following a life-long dream to be a wild-catter in the oilfields of South Arkansas, he started a career that spanned over the next 50 years during which he went from being a roustabout-roughneck to drilling-exploration, and production in the Ark-La-Tex area. In 1958, Guy was elected to the Board of Directors of Security Bank in Stephens. For over 53 years, he faithfully served as a director, executive officer, and trusted adviser. He was recognized many times during his career for his contributions to his community, schools, and church. It is often said of him "He asked so little, but gave so much". He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his sons and in his later years enjoyed summer vacations with his wife, children, and grandchildren at his lake house in Hot Springs. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Virginia Turner Smith, who was faithfully at his side serving as his caregiver and comforter during the last few years of his illness. Other survivors include his sons, Richard T. Smith and wife Karen of Hot Springs, Roger G. Smith and wife Julia of Magnolia; his daughters, Dee S. Bonds and husband Paul of Magnolia and Dana S. Hunt and husband Gerald of Hot Springs; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank caregivers, Butch Wyrick, Lorean Daniels, Sarah Roberson, and Pat Brown for their loyalty, dedication, and many days of service to their "Mr. Guy" in his time of need. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 22 at the funeral home. Services will be Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Stephens with Bro. David Moore and Bro. Cedric Walters officiating. Interment will be at Stephens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Butch Wyrick, Buck Smith, Smith Bonds, Dalton Smith, Carson Smith and Austin Hunt. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to the First United Methodist Church, Stephens, Ark. To sign the online guest register visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.