Carl T. Smith

Carl T. Smith of Little Rock was born in Saline County, Arkansas on October 14, 1911, the son of John Olin Smith, Sr. and Anna Jones. He died on September 21, 2010 in Plano, Texas at the age of 98. His mother Anna died tragically when he was a child and Carl was raised by his father and stepmother, Prue Edison Smith. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, returning to Little Rock afterwards to work in the automobile industry and ultimately start his own business. Traveling the United States was one of his many interests, along with visiting his children and grandchildren. Carl T. Smith and wife Mary Elizabeth Singleton Smith, his wife of 60 years, had two sons, James Porter Smith and C. Thomas Smith Jr. both of Dallas, Texas. Jim is married to Julia Hanlin Smith and Tom is married to Martha Fincher Smith. In addition to his sons and daughters-in-law, surviving Carl are his five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his three half brothers, Julian Edison Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas, John Olin Smith Jr. of San Antonio, Texas, and William Arthur Smith of Fairfax, Virginia. For most of his life Carl lived in Little Rock. Carl was a very active member of Immanuel Baptist Church for over 50 years. He served the church in many capacities, including as chairman of the board of deacons. Carl played a particularly critical role in helping the church to find the property for its beautiful new campus, after which the Pastor said of him: "Israel had her Caleb. Immanuel has her Carl." After his second wife, Wilma Barrett Smith died, Carl moved to Dallas, Texas in order to be closer to his two sons and their families. Carl, like many men of his generation, believed in hard work, self-discipline, and godliness—values that he lived by every day. He was cherished by those who knew him for his devotion to family and church, as well as his enviable curiosity about the wider world beyond his door. The celebration of his life will be held at an interment service at Pinecrest Cemetery on Saturday, September 25, 2010. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home (501) 224-8300. In lieu of flowers the family requests that you donate in Mr. Smith's honor to Immanuel Baptist Church, 501 N. Shackleford Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211 or the charity of your choice. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.