Charles Smith

Charles Leonard Smith, 75, of Arkadelphia died peacefully in his home Saturday, September 1st, 2007. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janis Crowley Smith, his daughter and son-in-law Bob and Melinda Fowler, his granddaughters Lindsey and Abbey Fowler, his son Blain Smith, all of Arkadelphia and his sister, Wilma Hoyt of Pineville, LA.

He was born October 9, 1931 to Cora and Frank M. Smith of Pineville, Louisiana. The Smith family moved to Arkadelphia in 1948 and established Arkadelphia Monument Works, which remained a family business for the next 54 years. Charles graduated from Arkadelphia High School, attended Ouachita Baptist University, and later completed his education at Louisiana Baptist College. Smith was an Army Veteran serving in Germany, a former Mayor of Arkadelphia, a former member of the Clark County Quorum Court, and a Deacon of the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia.
During his life he became well known for his dedication to service. From the Southwest Arkansas Food Bank, to helping students in need through college, his service to his fellow man was a way of life lived daily and humbly.

He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers the Rev. Alva Smith of Washington, D.C., and James Smith of Lake Charles, LA.

A private family internment will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery followed by a memorial service to be held in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Wednesday, September 5th, at 2:00 p.m., under the direction of Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home, Arkadelphia.

No visitation is planned but the family will be greeting guests in the vestibule following the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested memorials be made to Group Living's Capital Campaign, the First Baptist Church of Arkadelphia or the Charity of your choice.

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