William H. “Buster” Smith, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born August 6, 1937, in Trumann, Arkansas.
Buster was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Smith and Ruby Overturf Smith. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, JoAnn Lamb Smith; children Debbie Smith (Charles), Marshall Smith (Karen), Donna Smith, and Michelle Elmore (Jeff); grandchildren Erin Smith, Jennifer Owen (Brett), Jordan Smith, Leighann Martin (Tavner), Jonathan Smith, Wyatt Elmore, and Carter Elmore; great grandchildren Lennox and Reeselyn Owen, Buster and Canon Smith, Skylar and Jaxon Warden, Callie, Adilynn and Liam Martin; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Buster graduated from Marked Tree High School in 1955, and Ouachita Baptist College in 1960. He then served 26 years in the United States Army, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He completed two tours in Viet Nam, where he served in the 1st Calvary – Airborne Division, receiving numerous awards and citations, including the Bronze Star for valor. During that time, he was shot down in helicopters three times. He always credited his safety to the prayers of his mother-in-law, Mabel Lamb. In Germany, he served as the Executive Officer for the Chief of Staff CENTAG, the Central Army Group of NATO Headquarters, in Heidelberg.
After retirement, Buster began a career in real estate, working for Doug Wilkinson Realty before opening his own company, Century 21 Smith and Associates, which eventually had offices in Jacksonville, Cabot, and Beebe. He served two terms as President of the North Pulaski Board of Realtors. He was Chairman of the Board for Rebsamen Regional Medical Center, and was co-founder of the Cabot Rotary Club.
Buster was a member of Gideons International, where he loved distributing Bibles. He served on disaster relief teams with the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church Jacksonville, where he served as a deacon, as well as in many other positions.
The funeral, under the direction of A Natural State Funeral Service, will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at First Baptist Church Jacksonville. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., funeral at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Bayou Meto Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Gideons International in care of First Baptist Church Jacksonville or the Cornerstone Scholarship Fund at Ouachita Baptist University.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service. 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400.
To view Buster’s tribute slides, please follow the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/39FQ9LZ74LF32TY5
14 Comments
Wonderful man! He will be missed by many.💕🙏
A great example of a life well lived. I enjoyed golfing with him when I in Jacksonville and hearing of his time in the Army. He was was a wonderful uncle to his nephews.
He was a wonderful neighbor and friend. May he Rest In Peace❤️
Buster and I went to Ouachita together and I also served in the Army. We were both stationed at Fort Polk, LA in the 1974 – 76 time frame and both were members of First Baptist Church in DeRidder, LA. Had many good times together. You are at home with your Heavenly Father now. Will keep the family in my prayers.
You and your family were a big part of the reason we ended up attending First Baptist Church DeRidder. That was a big turning point in the life of our family. Donna and I were both saved there and our family became active in the church.
A Man After God’s Own Heart! A Great American! Wonderful Family Man! Great Friend!
Love to the family. ❤️ May all of the precious memories help you all the moments of missing him. Buster leaves a beautiful legend.
Wonderful cousin
Mikeandninaj@sbcglobal.net
Dear Smith Family,
We lift you up in our prayers. We wish we were close enough to hug you all. We also celebrate a wonderful Christian man and his life. Our Lord was glorified in his life…
Thank you.
Buster was a true man of God. We are so sorry for your loss.
Buster Smith, a Real man of the highest kind. A credit to the Army, the Baptist Faith, the business community, to Ouachita Baptist and the ROTC and the Class of 1960. They don’t come any better. I am sorry to hear of his passing, but have no regrets about who he was and what he stood for. With a few more such men, the country would better endure. I salute your memory, old friend.
Very sorry to learn of the passing of a good man. A Credit to the US Army, to Ouachita, the ROTC, and the class of 1960, to the Baptist Faith and the business community. This country needs more like him.
Mr. Buster helped me buy land & build a home in Cabot. His daughter, Donna, and I were friends and worked together several years. Sad to hear of his passing. Donna-I am sorry for your loss.
To the Smith family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Mr. Buster will be missed. To me he was a true example of a Man of God.
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