Melvin “Odell” Smith aka “Sonny Boy” was born in Dewitt, Arkansas on October 10, 1948 to Peggy Tharp Smith and Maynard “Gornell” Smith. He died November 17, 2023 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.
He is preceded in death by his father, Gornell Smith; brother, Ronald Smith, and granddaughter, Michaela Mannis.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia Smith; mother, Peggy Smith; brother Jerry Smith and Sister, Peggy Jean “PJ” Smith; 4 children, Johnny Smith (Kellie) of Alexandria IN; Tim Smith (Joy) of Tichnor, AR; Sam Smith of Marianna, FL, and Jenny Singleton (Troy), also of Tichnor, AR; 10 grandchildren: Jonathan, Elizabeth, Miriam, Amber, Luke, Kylie, Samual “Alvin”/ “Bubby”, Hannah, Rachel, and Brianna; 8 great grandchildren plus numerous family members, friends, and other community members that his life impacted.
He was a heavy equipment operator, commercial fisherman, coon hunter, truck driver, vegetable farmer, and just an all-around “Jack of All Trades”. He retired from 20+ years working contract labor for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. Most of all he loved spending his time with all his grandchildren and family fish fries!
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
3 Comments
Rest now. Many flooding memories have flooded through. Hope those left behind find peace in a new normal.
Odell will be missed by many. May his family find peace and comfort during this rough period knowing he is walking street of gold out of pain and stress that was here on earth.
Sonny Boy will be missed. He was a great guy. So sorry for your loss!
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