Joe Dudley Smith

Joe Dudley Smith, 76, of Pine Bluff, passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, August 13, 2014 in Little Rock. He was born January 14, 1938 near Tichnor, Arkansas, the youngest child and only son of the late Leslie Dudley and Beatrice Wheatley Smith. Joe graduated from Gillett High School in 1956. He worked for the Arkla Gas Company for thirty-­‐six years in various roles, and retired as Superintendent of Operations from Centerpoint Energy in 1997. He also served in the National Guard. Joe loved the outdoors from the time he was a boy, and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was an NRA Expert pistol shooter, a member of the Arkansas Knife Makers Association, and Mt. Elba Hunting Club. He was a very community minded person and was involved in many fundraisers and charitable activities as a member of 25 for Now. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara Trickett Christie Smith; second wife, Joyce Cooper Corder Smith; his parents; and his sister, Molly Frances Jordan. Survivors include Scott and Martha Christie of Little Rock; Sherrie Winter of Springfield, Missouri; his two sisters, Wilda Mae Golenor and Roma Nell Waddell (Ben), both of Little Rock; seven grandchildren and two great‐grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 16, 2014, in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Mary Susan Hilliard officiating. Pallbearers will be his six grandsons, with the men of Mt. Elba Hunting Club serving as honorary pallbearers. Following the service, 25 for Now will be hosting a fish fry for family and friends in recognition of his years of service. 25 for Now members are especially encouraged to attend. A graveside service will held afterward at Oakland Cemetery in Fordyce, Arkansas. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Ralph Robinson & Son Funeral Home. Friends may sign the online register at www.ralphrobinsonandson.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to 25 for Now, 1319 W. 6th Ave, Pine Bluff, Ark. 71601, or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 38105.