James Wendell Smith

James Wendell Smith, age 65, rode off to heaven Saturday, February 9, 2013. Wendell died at home surrounded by his loving family and friends and his dog, Four. Wendell was born September 13, 1947 at the Saline County community of Kentucky, the son of the late Homer E. Smith and Jewel Gates Smith. Wendell is survived by his daughter; Carrie Ellen Smith Blanford, her husband Doug, and their children; Maxx, Mary Kathryn and Rachel Blanford of Sardis, Ark., Carrie's mother; Judy Farmer Sellers, nieces Laura Smith of Boston, Mass. and Tara Smith of Little Rock, his devoted and special "long tall drink of water" Phyllis Scott and her children and family, sister-in-law, Becky Smith of Romance, AR, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, especially longtime friend , Mary Kling, who also served as one of his caretakers during his last days. Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Michael Don Smith, and his cousin, Tommy Earnest Wilson.   Wendell was a 1967 graduate of Fuller High School in Little Rock where he played football. He was a SeaBee in the United States Navy and served in Vietnam. Wendell was a long time employee of United Parcel Service in Little Rock. He was one of the first employees of UPS when the company opened an operation in Little Rock. Wendell retired in 2004. Wendell's lifelong love and passion was horses. Since he was a teenager, Wendell always had a horse. Over the years, he participated in rodeo events, including saddle bronc riding and team roping. He also enjoyed chuck wagon racing. His latest endeavor was Smith Farm and Racing. Shake em Lady was his winning horse at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw, Okla. He was a member of AQHA. A visitation will be held Tuesday, February 12th from 5-7 p.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home, Benton Chapel, 322 North Market Street, Benton, Ark. Funeral service will be Wednesday, February 13th at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.Internment to follow at Kentucky Cemetery. For information call 501-778-7100. Online guestbook: www.smithfamilycares.com.