Colonel Claude Ray Smithson

Colonel Claude Ray Smithson, age 90, of Sherwood, Arkansas, left this earth peacefully on February 3, 2015. He was born in Ponder, Missouri, to Claude and Jewel Smithson. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was affectionately known as "Pop" to those close to him. A member of the "greatest generation", his life was defined by his service to his country. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His medals and commendations include The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, four overseas bars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars. Most of his military service was in Army Intelligence with one of his last tours being at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired after 32 years of service with the Army and made his home in Sherwood. Colonel Smithson is predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Frances Dodson Smithson; second wife, Betty Smithson; and two brothers, Max Smithson and Donald Smithson of Doniphan, Missouri. He is survived by his son, John Smithson and wife, Judy; his grandsons, John David Smithson and Michael Smithson; and great-granddaughter, Kiera Smithson, all of Sherwood. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Pippin and her husband, C.H., of Doniphan, Missouri; as well as two half-brothers, Joseph Kirby and Robert Kirby, of Gatewood, Missouri. He is also survived by a special niece, Dianna Farish, of Sherwood, many nieces, including Kenna Harrelson of Jonesboro, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. Monday, February 9, 2015, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Arkansas (501-791-7400). Graveside service with military honors will be at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock, with Dr. Richard Lee of First Baptist Church Sherwood officiating. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.