Obituaries

Robert Maier Smith

Photo of Robert Maier Smith
Robert Maier Smith, age 91, of McGehee, died Monday, April 14, 2014. He was born on Feb. 7, 1923, in McGehee; and was the son of Jennie Lee Maier Smith and James Moses Smith. His grandparents, America Jane and Fred Maier were original settlers of McGehee. He was a lawyer for 49 years during which he practiced law with his father and brother. He was McGehee Municipal Judge for 16 years. He was a World War II veteran and a recipient of the Purple Heart. He served in the US Army 44th Division in 1944-45 as a combat infantryman in Alsace-Lorraine, France, where he received a field promotion to sergeant. Robert "Fly" Smith was a 1941 graduate of McGehee High School where he was a running back for the Owls. He attended Ouachita Baptist College, playing running back for the Tigers, prior to being drafted. After serving his country he received his law degree from Little Rock University School of Law. He served as McGehee City Attorney for 20 years, was president of Arkansas Municipal Judges' League from 1986-88, and was a member of the Arkansas Bar Association. He served two terms on the McGehee City Council and was president of the McGehee School Board. He was a member of the Lion's Club, and the McGehee Chamber of Commerce. Robert was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of McGehee. He was scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 42 for six years, an avid tennis player, a pilot, and enjoyed the outdoors. He is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Freddy J. Smith; brother-in-law, Richard K. Clem; and a granddaughter, Andrea M. Smith. Survivors include his wife, Nomel Carolyn Faulkner Smith; children, Steven M. Smith and wife Anita of Little Rock, Kenneth M. Smith and wife Sandy of Watson, and Joseph L. Smith and wife Pam of El Paso, Texas; brother, James Neill Smith and wife Barbara of McGehee; sister, Margaret Jane Clem of Hot Springs; sister-in-law, Delma Smith Thompson of Pittsburg, Kan.; three step-daughters, Nancy K. Moore and husband Pat of Omaha, Neb., Carolyn Jane Stein and husband Brad of Omaha, and Bette K. Proffitt of McGehee; and a step-son, Rob Proffitt of Lake Worth, Fla. Grandchildren include Amelia J. Smith, Loryn Smith Forbes and husband Kenny, Rachel Smith, Aaron Smith; and five step-grandchildren. A memorial service will be at FUMC of McGehee at 2 o'clock Monday with Reverend Kenny Shaw of First Presbyterian Church of McGehee as officiant, assisted by Reverend Joe Head of FUMC. A reception will follow (at FUMC) in lieu of visitation. Interment will be on Tuesday, April 22, at 11 o'clock at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church Courtyard Columbarium in Little Rock. Deacon John Hall of Holy Souls and Reverend Kenny Shaw of FPC will preside. Memorials may be made to the Andrea Maier Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Mount St. Mary's Academy, 3224 Kavanaugh Blvd. Little Rock, Ark. 72205 or Alzheimer's Arkansas, 301 Markham Center, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Arrangements made by Griffin-Culpepper Funeral Service of McGehee, Ark. Online guestbook may be signed at www.griffinculpepper.com.

Published April 20, 2014

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