Johnny Howard Smith, age 74, of Cabot, AR went to be with the Lord on June 2, 2026. He was born July 21,1951 in Warren, AR to the late Howard and Catherine Smith.
Johnny served in the Amy National Guard for 11 years and retired from the State of Arkansas as a fraud investigator for unemployment insurance benefits where he was employed for 32 years.
Johnny loved life and his unshakable faith touched everyone around him. In May of 2025 he was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. He never got angry, shed a tear, or ask God why, his response was “I placed this diagnosis in God’s hands and left it there, I am at peace with whatever is God’s will.” He loved people and most of all his family. He loved being papa and never missed grandparents’ day at school.
Johnny loved his church and was involved in bus ministry, teaching Sunday school, and home friendship group leader until his health made it hard to continue doing what he loved, loving God, loving people and serving both.
He was preceded in death by his sister Judy Williams.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Anita Smith, a son Jay Smith (Jackie), a daughter Shana Smith and 4 grandsons, Nathaniel, Samuel, Lakota, and Lucky, his brother-in-law Larry Isbell (Jan) of Munford, TN, sister-in-law Betty Castlow (Gaston) of Rison, AR and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and many wonderful friends.
Lementations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thou faithfulness.”
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026 at 11:00am with the funeral service at 12:00pm at Word Aflame Church 7800 I-30, Little Rock, AR 72209. Burial to follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
2 Comments
My sincerest condolences to Mrs. Anita, Shana, and family. May God comfort and strengthen you all in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.
I am so sorry to hear of Bro Johnny’s passing. There are many great memories from years ago when we would meet at different houses for cell group ministries. I remember one time when we still lived in Scott and we had a good summertime feast which included Frances’ fried okra and all the trimmings. I hold those days close to my heart, and mourn the loss of several people in that group, but I know we will all feast again with the Lord, forever and ever! Bless you Sis Anita, and Shana and Samuel.
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