Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Brian Daniel Smith, age 44

Brian Daniel Smith entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, August 27, 2022.  He was born on January 8, 1978 in Shreveport, Louisiana to the late Mary Eva Statham Smith and Daniel Ellis Smith. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Charley and Mamie Sue Statham; paternal grandparents Millard and Lois Smith; and father-in-law James Donald Clements.

He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Sarah Clements Smith and their children Owen Taylor Smith, 13, and Whitley Irene Smith, 11, of North Little Rock; his sister Kristen Watts (John) of Shreveport and nephews Hayden Watts of Little Rock and Jake Watts of New Orleans. He also leaves a host of extended family and friends, including his mother-in-law Kathey Harwell of North Little Rock. While Brian’s loved ones cherish his memory and grieve his passing, by the grace of his Savior they do so with hope.

Brian was a train enthusiast! When time allowed, he could be found admiring trains at the yard and photographing them enroute. This interest was prompted by his early childhood when he lived just north of Shreveport near the train tracks of KCS. Much to the chagrin of his family, he loved being in the car and getting “caught by the trains!”

In May 1996 Brian graduated fourth in his class of 182 students at Northwood High School. He was so proud to have earned this distinction, being named one of the “Falcon Five.”

In 1983, Shreveport experienced sudden, severe weather.  As he and his mother were trying to take shelter, they felt the physical force of the tornado and witnessed their car doors being blown backwards.  At five years old he became fascinated with the weather, and The Weather Channel trumped cartoons as his entertainment of choice.

His love of all things weather-related led him to the University of Louisiana at Monroe, where he graduated in December 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Atmospheric Science and a minor in History. On August 27, 1999, Brian began the Student Career Experience Program at the National Weather Service in Shreveport where he remained until December 21, 2000, when he was hired to a permanent position as a Staff Meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Little Rock.  At the time of his passing, Brian was a Senior Forecaster. He was a climate and weather history enthusiast and enjoyed authoring social media posts on Arkansas weather history facts.

In addition to Brian’s love for weather science and history, his love for Jesus, scripture and his family took top priority in his life. Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Brian always felt that his appreciation for science enhanced his knowledge and worship of God, his creator and sustainer.

Brian’s memorial service will be held at 11 am Friday, September 2 at Central Baptist Church, 5200 Fairway Avenue North Little Rock, AR with visitation preceding from 9:45—10:45 at the church.

Please share memories of Brian so that his children can be reminded of all the great friends who blessed his life, and he theirs.  http://forms.gle/z6Ga3ko9ULn9wGwi8

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brian’s GoFundMe.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service. 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

16 Comments

  • Patricia Oller Posted August 31, 2022 5:47 PM

    To Sarah and Kathy … my prayers go out to you both. May GOD Bless You and keep you safe. 🙏 ❤️ 🤗🥰

  • Rosalind McBride Posted August 31, 2022 7:02 PM

    Am so saddened by Brian’s unexpected passing. Although we know he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, I know you still grieve for his loss. May the Father wrap you in His loving arms and give you and your children peace, comfort and strength.

  • Newton Skiles Posted August 31, 2022 7:22 PM

    I worked a lot with Brian during the last few years of my National Weather Service career in North Little Rock. Brian’s keen interest and enthusiasm about weather were very evident every day. His favorite nickname for me was “Gramps,” especially after I retired. Prayers and condolences to Sarah, Owen, Whitley, and the rest of his family and friends.

  • Lisa Pearcy Posted August 31, 2022 7:49 PM

    Praying for your sweet family Sarah

  • Carolyn Wright Posted August 31, 2022 7:55 PM

    Sarah to you and the children may you find strength in our Lord! I was at your wedding one of beauty and love May this continue in your memories!! Love you sweet girl my prayers are with you🙏🏻❤️

  • Sarah and Peter Albahsous Posted August 31, 2022 8:39 PM

    We love this family. We are heartbroken for Sarah, Owen and Whitley. Always praying. The Lord is near and he will provide everything you need to bear this overwhelming sorrow. We love you.

  • Bettie Leonard Posted August 31, 2022 9:01 PM

    No words for this difficult time! Brian was one of nicest gentleman I know! He loved his family and it showed. I loved receiving his Christmas letter each year. I felt as though I was part of their household. Great writer. I love you all.! May the Peace of Christ be with you all.

  • a grieving friend Posted August 31, 2022 11:25 PM

    the link to donate to the memorial fund for Brian’s family: https://gofund.me/fe53f032

  • Tauna Woodruff Posted September 1, 2022 6:29 AM

    Brian had a way of making every person feel welcomed and worthy of his attention. Bryan was quick witted and had a natural smile and laugh filled with contagious joy. His love for Sarah, Owen, and Whitley was apparent to all. Besides his family, Brian‘s truest love was for the Lord.

  • Rhonda Compton Posted September 1, 2022 10:45 AM

    So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and family for the days ahead. Love you, Rhonda

  • Penny Wallis Posted September 1, 2022 1:34 PM

    My thoughts and prayers are with you Sarah and your family. I pray for peace, comfort, love and strength for you and yours not only in this difficult time of loss but for all time.

  • Heather Kees Posted September 1, 2022 9:12 PM

    I vividly remember going to dinner with a guy and then heading to church for some kind of weeknight event. The guy sat next to Brian and talked to him a bit. After the event, as we walked to our cars, Sarah leaned into me and said, “Brian said you are not to go out with this dude again. He is NOT the one.” It made me smile and warmed my heart that Brian was looking out for me. Needless to say, I did not go out with him again!

  • Wendy LaLena Roe Posted September 1, 2022 9:54 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Brian was a great kid brother growing up in Blanchard. I know we will see him again someday in heaven. Just imagine the reunion of him and Mrs. Mary and Mr. Danny.

  • Brickey & Patsy Fife Posted September 1, 2022 11:22 PM

    Sarah & children, We are so saddened by the sudden loss of your husband & father. We have been lifting you all up in prayer asking the Heavenly Father to give you comfort & peace.

  • Rick and Lorena McConnell Posted September 2, 2022 8:19 AM

    Sarah we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids. May God give you strength in the days ahead.

  • Georgina McCarley Healer Posted October 8, 2022 4:24 PM

    So sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many.

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