Elmer Eugene (Gene) Smith

ELMER EUGENE (GENE) SMITH died Oct. 26, 2022. He was born to Lella & Emmett Smith April 22, 1926, and grew up in Central Arkansas. He joined the Navy on his 18th birthday, but they let him graduate from Joe T Robinson before calling him to service. He served in the China and Yellow Seas. After his discharge, he began his career with the Chicago Rock Island Railroad. In 1951 he met the beautiful Elwanda Hays at Granoff's, a popular, local restaurant and they danced their way through a year of courtship. They married in 1952 and two children soon followed: Wanda Gean Gean and Terry. They had only one requirement for these children: a good education including college, and those requirements were met. In 1998, they embarked on a new adventure and moved to Conway, Ark. There they found a wonderful group of friends through their church. These years were full of dinners, lunches, Spinners games and of course, church with these newfound friends. Gene was devoted to Elwanda, taking special care of her in her last years. Their 70-year marriage was an inspiration and when she died in April of this year, his spirit and will went with her. He is survived by his daughter, Wanda Gean Hartnuss and her husband Werner Schwarz. His son Terry died in 2010, but his sons, Blake Smith and wife Betsy, and Brad Smith were beloved grandsons and also survive him. His great-grandchildren were especially bright spots and he always wanted to hear about them and their "doings". Savannah, Austin, Dylan and Emma were cherished. They always made him smile. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at Forest Hills Memorial Park, 10200 AR-5, Alexander, Ark., 72002. To honor his memory, visit an elderly relative or friend. That was dad's wish that we not forgot those who are no longer able to live as they once did, but instead rely on others to come to them. Arrangements are in the care of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.