James Maxey "Max" Smith

James Maxey "Max" Smith was born in Glenwood AR on July 31, 1942, the second child of Eddie Ray and Myrtle Smith.  Max grew up with his family, 2 sisters, Dorothy and Betty, and 2 brothers, Billy and Jerry, in Amity traveling between logging camps in Colorado and Oregon and picking apples in Indiana.

Max graduated from Glenwood High School in 1960 and received a scholarship to attend Southern Arkansas University.  Having no place to live, the university agreed to allow him to live in the barn if he would milk the cows at 4:00 AM and 4:00 PM.  Max was drafted to the United States Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was able to finish his degree in Plant & Animal Sciences on the GI Bill at the University of Arkansas in 1967.

He married Joyce Adams in 1969 and they had 2 children, Robyn and Michael, while he worked for the USDA helping Arkansas farmers receive government loans and grants.  Max took an early retirement in 1993 to become a full-time farmer and focus on the joys of his life, his 11 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

Max passed away on Sunday, September 3, 2023, surrounded by his loving wife of almost 54 years, his 2 children, and his beloved grandkids and great-grandkids.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 7, 2023, in the Caney Valley Cemetery with Bro. Keith Howell and Bro. Erby Burgess officiating.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Glenwood, 209 North Third Street, Glenwood, Arkansas 71943.

Guest registry is at www.smithfamilycares.com.