Albert Smith

Albert Jacob Smith, of McRae, Arkansas, was born July 27, 1927 and departed this life for his eternal heavenly home July 18, 2014, nine days before his 87th birthday.
Trusting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior was the key event in his life that transformed a drinking, fighting Marine into an evangelistic deacon who taught and preached the gospel. He worked alongside other men in starting a number of churches in the central Arkansas area, and served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher in other local church ministries in Houston, Texas and central Arkansas.

A diesel mechanic by trade, he was a handy man that could fix just about anything. He loved deer hunting, fishing and watching the Arkansas Razorbacks. He loved gardening and driving down back roads to spot signs of deer crossings. A hardworking man known for his integrity and diligent work ethic, he had a servant's heart and was willing to sacrifice his time and money for people in need. He was a storyteller and never met a stranger.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Heritage Healthcare in Ft. Oglethorpe, Georgia for their tireless and compassionate care of our father and Pop-Pop.

He is survived by his three sons and their wives, Michael W. Smith and wife, Susan, Dr. E. David Smith and wife, Karen, and Rev. Barry K. Smith and wife, Laurie; eleven grandchildren, Michael, Jr. and wife, Evelyn, Kim and husband, Jake Stone, Kayla, Nicole, Courtney, Landry, Taylor, Alison, Carol, Lisa and Juliann; his two great-grandchildren, Michael Jacob and Briley; his sister, Sharon Westbrook; and one viewed as a grandson, Seth Pinkerton.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; eight siblings, Alpha, Clarence, Elmer, Esther, Iva Dale, Stella, Mildred and Robert; his mother, Betty Alread Smith; and his father, William Lee Smith. He will be greatly missed.

The family would like to invite friends and family to visitation at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe, Thursday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The celebration of Albert's life will be Friday, July 25, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, McRae, with burial in Lebanon Cemetery. Arrangements by Westbrook, a Smith Funeral Home.