Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Marshall John Smith, age 65

Marshall John Smith, 65, passed from this life unexpectedly on Sunday, July 26th. The loss is immeasurable but so is the love left behind. A man with a kind heart and infectious laugh. He lived his life passionately for his family and friends. His love of good food and wine permeated almost everything he did.

As Executive Chef at Samantha’s Tap Room and Wood Grill, he was creative in the kitchen. As a self-taught chef, he developed his skill set as Executive Chef at Hamilton House in Hot Springs for 35 years. His wealth of knowledge and attention to details were showcased throughout his career as Executive Chef at So Restaurant-Bar, Arthur’s Steakhouse and most recently Samantha’s Tap Room and Grill. Among his many achievements and accomplishments, he received AAA Four Diamond Reward and publications of original recipe in Bon Appetite Gourmet magazine. Most recently, he proudly represented Arkansas in the Great American Seafood Cookoff in New Orleans, placing 2nd place among 13 states.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dr. William E. Smith and Jacquelin R Smith, and his sister Dr. Marion Smith (Long).

He survived by his wife, of 45 years, Kathy Smith; his son, William (Bill) E. Smith, IV; his daughter Katherine; his grandson Klien; a large and boisterous family of four sisters and a brother, their spouses, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A service is planned on August 14,2020 at noon at St. John Catholic Church in Hot Springs. A rosary will be recited starting at 11:30am. All are welcome.

A private family inurnment of his cremains will follow at Crestview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marshall Smith me memorial fund at Gofund.com help with his family with expenses…

Arrangements are entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas.  501-982-3400

10 Comments

  • Donna and Meredith Reed Posted August 5, 2020 3:35 PM

    Marshall was a special brothet to me.i had a special time getting to know my brother better over the last several years.
    I.can still hear his voice, as he says” hey, sis” !
    I will truly miss him Now and always!!
    Donna and Meredith

  • Ruby Faulkner Posted August 5, 2020 7:04 PM

    Marshal was an awsome person. He will truly be missed

  • Deborah Dispensa. Posted August 5, 2020 9:58 PM

    Marshal was a dear friend for nearly 40 years. We met at the Hamilton House. I was so impressed with his creations. He was such a kind man. Family oriented and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed.

  • Rosario Posted August 5, 2020 11:34 PM

    My friend from the day we met and my friend to the end. A man who followed his heart and his passion. He loved his family and friends, he loved his craft and he added something to them all. Front one chef to another, you were a great friend and inspiration and I miss you already.

  • Bobbie. Griggs. Posted August 6, 2020 12:28 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. I loved. Marshall. And you ! I will pray for you all. 🙏🙏❤️

  • Sandy Turnwall Posted August 6, 2020 9:10 PM

    So sorry for your loss kathy, bill, and Katherine.love you all!

  • Mark Corbell Posted August 9, 2020 6:11 PM

    What a great friend. What a teacher. Enjoyed my time spent with Marshall,Ed and all the Smith family. They all treated me like a member of the family. So sorry for y’all’s sudden loss of Marshall. My sincere thoughts, and prayers to all the Smith family.

  • Mark Corbell Posted August 10, 2020 10:10 AM

    So sorry to hear. Prayers out to the entire Smith family.
    Worked with Marshall for years what a great friend and teacher. The Smith family treated me like a member of their family. Prayers for Kathy, Katherine and Bill during this time.
    Thoughts and prayers for the entire Smith family.

  • robert w sharp Posted January 9, 2021 1:03 AM

    a loved brother in law

  • Dennis Cossey Posted April 23, 2021 3:47 PM

    I will miss Marshall’s cheerful countenance and wonderful and innovative preparations, but will miss his friendship the most. Rest in peace, my friend.

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