Charles "Leon" Smith

CHARLES "LEON" SMITH, born to Ahnawake & Norman K. Smith on Nov. 27, 1938, passed away at 10:10 a.m. on Nov. 17, 2012. After defeating Leukemia and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Leon is now at peace in the arms of the Lord after having to battle Leukemia once again. Dr. Brad Baltz has remained our anchor every step of the way. Our Leon was a most precious husband, Daddy, Papa and friend. He is survived by his wife and love of 52 years, Linda Havens Smith; daughter Stacy Caldwell and husband Daryl - daughter Nancy Sanders and husband Mike - son Scott Havens Smith and wife Anita. Also surviving him are seven grandchildren: Nick Mulkey, Rachel Mulkey, Sean Caldwell, Cheyenne Sanders, Noah Sanders, Charlie Smith and Jeff Smith. Leon is also survived by brothers James Ed Smith and wife Carolyn, Lawrence Smith and wife Mary and sister Juanita West and husband Joe. Leon was one of six children. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Stormy Smith and Kenneth Smith. Born in Knoxville, Ark., Leon was raised in Conway. He attended Conway High School and joined the Army in 1955, serving most of his tour in Germany. Following three years of military service, Leon became an apprentice metal lather for Walco Construction Company. In 1970, Leon became co-owner and founding partner of Mid-South Partitions, Inc., a commercial drywall and ceiling company, maintaining offices in Little Rock, Tulsa and Oklahoma City. We can't adequately express the gratitude we feel for Dr. Baltz's "crew" for their love, kindness and patience through our hardest times. We would also like to thank the wonderful nurses and caregivers on the seventh floor oncology unit and the Arkansas Hospice staff at St. Vincent Infirmary. We love you all for your tenderness. Big hugs to all our family and friends who have prayed for us – and with us – throughout Leon's illness. Visitation will be held Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock. (501) 224-8300. A funeral service will be held Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in the chapel at Fellowship Bible Church, 401 Kirk Road in Little Rock. Burial will be held at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church Cemetery on Hwy. 25, north of Conway. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leon's memory to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark., 72116 or to the Union Rescue Mission, PO Box 164057, Little Rock, Ark. 72216. To know him was to love him. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.