Douglas Franklin Smith, Jr., 87, of Jacksonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026. He was born on September 17, 1938, to Douglas F. Smith, Sr. and Anelia Smith, both of whom preceded him in death.

Doug was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife, Sandra J. Smith; his sons, Douglas Smith (Toni), Dean Smith, and Darrell Smith (Sharon); his grandchildren, Chris Smith, Megan Lawson (Joey), Jordan Smith (Chase), Brandi Hughes (Tyler), and Brady Smith (Emma); and his six great-grandchildren, Kruz, Addelynn, Teagan, Knox, Baker, and Brooks.

He was preceded in death by his son, Dennis Smith, and his siblings, Don Smith, Margaret Hanson, and David Smith.

Doug lived a life centered around faith, family, service, and the people he loved. He was a man who believed in being involved, giving back, and being there for others. He served as a Jacksonville Alderman from 1969 to 1974 and was a member of the Jaycees and the Jacksonville Sertoma Club, serving as its president. He was also a Mason and Shriner.

Doug built a successful career in the automobile business, serving as General Manager at various car dealerships. He was proud of his professional accomplishments and continued to grow throughout his career, completing the General Motors Institute Dealership Management Course through the University of San Francisco and Texas Christian University.

But the titles and accomplishments only tell part of Doug’s story. Those who knew him best will remember the little things—the things that made him Doug.

They will remember his love of fishing, the time he spent visiting with family and friends, and the simple pleasure of sitting down for coffee with the men at church. That coffee time was one of the highlights of his day, a time for fellowship, laughter, conversation, and friendship.

His faith was not simply something he believed; it was something he lived and shared with others. Doug served his church as a deacon and associate pastor at Marshall Road Baptist Church. He also served more than six years in the Army and Air National Guard Reserves.

Some of the most treasured memories of Doug will live on in the traditions he created with his family. Every Christmas, he would read Scripture from the Bible to his grandchildren. It was a simple tradition, but one that became a meaningful part of their lives and something they will remember long after his voice is no longer there to read it.

Doug was also honored to officiate the weddings of two of his grandchildren. To him, those moments were about much more than a ceremony. They were opportunities to celebrate the people he loved and to be a part of some of the most important moments in their lives.

Doug’s greatest legacy is not found in the positions he held or the work he accomplished, but in the people he loved and the lives he touched. His family was his greatest blessing, and the love he gave them will continue through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

There will be an empty chair at the family gatherings, a missing voice at Christmas, and one less place at the table for coffee. But there will also be countless stories, traditions, laughter, and memories that will keep Doug close.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, friends, church family, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a gift, his faith was his foundation, and his love for his family will be his lasting legacy.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Marshall Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Graveside services will follow at noon at Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com