Wes Smelley

Wes Smelley, son of Bill and Willa Smelley, was born in Kingston, Arkansas, and lived most of his young life in Berryville, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Roy Binion of Tulsa, Oklahoma; his niece, nephew and great-nephew, Suzanne, Cliff and Joseph Mobley of Broken Bow, Oklahoma; Wes is also survived by his sister-in-law, Ann Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas; nieces and nephews, Dr. G. Richard Smith and his wife, Rev. Susan Sims Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas, Mike Smith of Jonesboro, Arkansas; great-niece, Rose Smith and her husband, Dr. Josh Cisler of Little Rock, Ark.; nieces and nephews, Sara Burns, Lili and Rueben Hamlin of London, England, Elaine and Pedro Moctezuma, Olin, Tlaloc, Aurora and Lorania Moctezuma all of Ameca Mecca, Mexico, Joe Burns of Davis, California and many cousins. Wes graduated from John Brown University with a major in radio production. He started his career in radio in Missouri, but was drafted into the Army. After his Army days, Wes lived in Texas and was involved in sales. Because of his mentor, Jim Phillips, Wes moved to Little Rock, Arkansas to become Human Resource Director at the Arkansas State Hospital. It was there that he met Carol when she spoke to his Lion's Club. Wes was active in the W.L.R. Lion's Club for many years, serving as president of his club, as District Governor, including President of Lion's World Services for the Blind board of directors. Currently Wes had been serving on the Friends of Arkansas Information Reading Service and a member of the Tuesday Men's Study Group at First United Methodist Church, which has been very meaningful to Wes for many years. Wes was Human Resource Director at Commercial National Bank, National Investors Life Insurance Company and TCBY. Wes was a member of Pulaski Height United Methodist Church. He traveled to Ekaterinburg, Russia for 12 years to a small Methodist Church connected with the largest prison in Russia, which he spent much time and energy raising money for. Various pastors and friends from there have frequently visited in Wes' home. Wes and his cousin, Jim Maxwell, built the house Wes and Carol currently live in and that Wes willingly opened to countless teenagers from Youth Home, Inc. during the days Carol was founder and the Executive Director. Wes and Carol have shared their home with many friends, relatives and people who needed a home temporarily or semi-permanently. Wes' most recent venture was building a lovely, well equipped guest house near his and Carol's home for additional overnight visits with friends and relatives. An avid golfer, Wes' desire was to play golf just before he died. He did play an excellent game of golf Thursday, May 19 before he entered the hospital on Friday, May 20 and began the five week downward journey of pulmonary problems. Friends and relatives are invited to come by the Smelley's home, 13701 Kanis Rd., on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 between 4 and 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, 4823 Woodlawn Ave, Little Rock on Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception at the church. Carol intends to eventually use their house and acreage as a retreat center where busy people can go for moments of silent prayer. In lieu of flowers gifts can be made to the Wes Smelley Endowment Fund, 5300 Evergreen St., Little Rock, Ark. 72205. If the retreat center plan does not materialize, the gifts will be divided between John Brown University, Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, North Little Rock, Ark. or New Community Church, Washington, D.C. For those who prefer to give directly to the place Wes felt deeply indebted to, they may give a gift to John Brown University, 2000 W. University St., Siloam Springs, Ark. 72761. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.