Albert "Al" Fletcher Smith Sr.

Albert “Al” Fletcher Smith, Sr., age 82, of Little Rock passed away on December 7, 2024. He was born May 11, 1942, to Hugh Randolph Smith and Frances Louise Mattingly.

He attended Holy Souls Catholic School until his parents passed away in 1954 when he was twelve years old. He was separated from his brothers and never had a home again. When he was in Little Rock, Mr. Haley allowed Al to spend nights in the funeral home which was downtown at the time. Al was sent to Morris Boarding School in Searcy, AR, where he milked the cows, carrying the milk to Yarnell Dairy. After completing the eighth grade at Morris, he was sent to Subiaco Academy, in Subiaco, AR. There the monks supported Al encouraging him in his studies and his athletic abilities. Al was great at basketball, baseball, and he excelled in football. After graduation from Subiaco, he received a football scholarship at Vanderbilt. There was an article published in the Sports Illustrated mentioning Al as an upcoming sophomore to pay attention to.

After graduating from college Al taught school and coached in Lincoln, AR. He loved the students. He entered the Life & Health Insurance business in 1970 as a personal producer. After several years working as a personal producer, he began his career in management with the fastest growing insurance company at the time, Union Life Insurance Company. He was also Vice President-Marketing with responsibilities for the Western United States. In 1991 he returned to personal production and opened his own general agency, that specialized in emphasis on recruiting and personal production with American Heritage Life.

Al qualified for every Heritage Club Company Conference for years, and was a consistent multi-million-dollar producer, has been recognized at the Company’s Runner-up Leading General Agent on several different occasions, and served as a volunteer on Allstate Workplace Division’s CEO Council. He was the second person ever to be presented with the T. O’Neal Douglas Leadership Award, which is a porcelain replica of the Boehm Global Peace Sculpture, that is surrounded by white doves. 

Reminiscences of Sister-in-Law, Caroline: “Altogether lovable and endearing, Al was complicated. He was impatient and quick tempered, and yet so loving and kind. I didn’t think he’d ever stop crying when Lulu died.

Al was no angel. He could tell a lie- but not really with that guilty look on his face. Completely authentic, he couldn’t say or do anything fake. His guilelessness was endearing. It melted one’s heart.

His reactions were sometimes quick and sharp; “Patrick! Stop clanking your spoon! It’s driving me crazy!”

Minutes later: “Patrick you’re a good man. Aren’t you proud to have such a pretty wife.”

“Jett shut up! You’re talking too loudly,”

Moments later: “Jett you look very handsome tonight, like a young collage student.”

After a spat, I once called Al and said, “Do you still love me?” “I never stopped,” he said.

Al called Ron and I often. His message to Jett was usually the same, “I’m sorry I snapped at you last night, I didn’t mean it.” There was never any need for an apology. Jett had never taken offense in the first place. I guess Al just needed to say he was sorry.

When Al and Lamar first started dating, it was touching to see him and his little girl Samantha, they were a twosome everywhere. Al never cooked a meal in his life, but they must have frequented every restaurant in town. A tiny little beauty, she would sit in her chair all wide-eyed and adorable with a giant feast spread before her.

Al was so proud of his son Fletcher. What a fine upstanding gentleman he turned out to be. “Well, what would you expect with you as his dad” I wish I had said. You see all was modest. He was also demanding and immodest. (So I figured I’d tell you he was complicated.)

In the hospital, nurses and staff called him, “Trouble.”

In an attempt to calm Al, a nurse patiently explained, “Mr. Smith, I have other patients to care for.”

“So, what! “I’m the only one that matters,” said Al.

When Al telephoned me, his words were always the same: “Have you always talked to Lamar? She’s been gone for two hours, Are you sure she’s alright?”

He never wanted her out of his sight, “Where is she?”

Al’s family was his life, especially his wife. I didn’t hear his last breath, but I know what it was. I know that he whispered, “Lamar, Lamar”

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Tucker Smith, Herman “Snick” Smith, Thomas “Mac” McVeigh Smith, daughter Melissa Ann and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Al is survived by his wife, Lamar Smith, children Samantha Louise Crews (David), Fletcher Smith grandchildren David Daniel, Jr., Conley Adron Barnett (Richard), Jennifer Alain Crews; great-granddaughter Ocean Anderson; and a host of many extended family and friends.

A Rosary will be held Monday, December 16, 2024. Beginning at 6:00 PM at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home followed by a visitation from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024, beginning at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Chutch. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Al’s memory can be made to Subiaco Academy, https://legacy.subi.org/?pageID=10