Rev. Michael "Mike" P. Smith

Rev. Michael Perry Smith “Mike”, age 62, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday February 6th, 2022.
Michael Smith was born to Uless Clifton Smith and Lillian Onedia Bain on April 24th, 1959.

Mike was predeceased in death by his mother Lillian, father Clifton, brother Steven Smith, and Nephew Wilburn Joey Smith, father and mother-in-law Willie and Virgina Curtis, and several extended family members and friends.

He is survived by his wife Betty Ann Curtis Smith, son Nicholas Michael Smith, daughter and son-in-law Lillian Ann and Joseph Alderman, Grandson and “Little Buddy” Maximus Alderman, brother and sister-in-law William Joey “Joe” and Peggy Smith, Nephews Willias Smith (Stephanie), and Wesley Smith (Leslie), Sister-in-Law Judy Smith all of Hot Springs, Sisters Brenda Nooner of Texas, Beverly Garrett (Jerry) of Malvern, and Brother Wayne Smith of FL, Brother-in-Law Brian Curtis of Texas, Sister-in-laws Debbie Jones (Jason) of FL, Crystal Mitchell (Tim), Linda Thomas, Sarah Rabaz (John), Midge Mcgarr, and Angla Crumpton all of Hot Springs. He is also survived by dozens of other beloved family members including nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and hundreds of close friends.

Mike graduated from Mountain Pine High School in 1977, and went on to attend Hendrix college and Quapaw Technical School, where received a certificate in appliance repair. After that, he earned two Associates degrees from Garland County Community College. A lover of knowledge and dedicated to a life-time of learning, in 1992, he earned a Bachelor of Theology from Andersonville Theological Seminary and a Master of Science in Theology in 2007, and in 2020 he began work on his Doctoral Degree.

Mike loved Mountain Pine School and Community with his whole heart. Michael was awarded the 1st ever LARGEST HEART AWARD FOR RED DEVILS FOOTBALL. He carries the record as one half of the only Red Devils Double Tennis Team. He was an Honor Graduate of The Class of 1977. Michael remained an active member of the community and an advocate for the school, the students, and the community for the rest of his life. He was the “Voice of the Red Devils”, the Announcer and Color Commentator for the Football Team, for over 3 decades. He proudly commentated for the Championship game of 2021 played at War Memorial Stadium. He also coached Pee Wee Football for several years, and was the official scorekeeper for the High School Baseball team for over 7 years. Mike proudly served on the Mountain Pine School Board for 11 years, earning the highest level of honors as a Pinnacle Board Member for his dedication to training and education. Mike truly lived the motto “Once a Red Devil Always a Red Devil ''.

Michael was truly a jack-of-all trades, he held many positions and job titles over the course of his life. He taught appliance repair at Quapaw Vocational Technical School. He joined the Arkansas Air National Guard in 1981 and proudly served our country for 11 years. During that time, he received a degree from the Community College of the Air Force. In 1985, he joined the Hot Springs Police Department. Mike's passion for people was shown so often through serving the community of Hot Springs as a Patrol Officer, Beat Officer, Street Crimes Officer, Detective, Certified Law Enforcement Training Officer, and in PCR. In 1986, his fellow officers voted him FOP Rookie of the Year. He also served as a certified DARE Officer at Hot Springs Schools during his time on the police force. He loved every aspect of law enforcement. In 1992, he retired due to an injury sustained in-the-line of duty.

After retiring from the Police Department, Mike surrendered to full-time ministry. He was called to pastor at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Curtis, Arkansas in 1992. He was the pastor at Shady Grove for two years, during which he received his ordination. In 1996, he was called to pastor his home church, Rector Heights Baptist Church in Hot Springs. He faithfully led this congregation for over 25 years. Obedience to God’s Word held the top place in Michael’s heart. He worked diligently to help people fall in love with the Savior and become a disciple of Jesus Christ and work every day to win and make disciples for Jesus. During this time, Mike was a faithful member of the Quarterback Club, and was awarded Rookie of the Year. He also partnered with the Veteran’s Community Partnership of the Ouachitas and received his certification as a Veteran’s Clergy and Advocate. For the past few years, he also served as a Client Advocate, teaching Fatherhood, Parenting, and Anger Management at Changepoint Pregnancy Care and Parenting Center.

Over the last 5 years, he served in the Jail Ministry in Saline County and Garland County Detention Centers. In December of 2021, he began his work as the Garland County Jail Ministry Chaplain and Board President. He was honored to serve God and his community in this role, and prayed that “God opens ways to bring diverse ideas to the mission field of serving with GCJMI.”

Mike loved people, and he loved serving his community. He served on the Board of the Piney Fire Department for the past several years, and as board President this year. He was also a member of the Hot Springs Masonic Lodge for most of his adult life. Michael also fell in love with the ministry of the Christian Motorcyclist Association, as much as he loved bikes, he loved the ministry more. He was an active member of the Spring Riders Chapter of the CMA.
Michael was a faithful husband and father. He was our “constant” and we will miss him more than you can ever imagine. He lived a full life and was the most selfless person we have ever known. He loved everyone he ever met (but I’m sure he loved us more). He always had a cup of coffee, a listening ear, a word (or a 1,000 words) of advice, a joke, and a good story to share. Our world will never be the same.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 19th, 2022 at 2:00 PM, with Bro. Justy Smith and Bro. Jerry Garrett officiating at Grace Apostolic Church, 192 Grace Lane, Hot Springs under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home, Hot Springs.

Interment will be in the Bain Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., prior to the service.

Pallbearers are Maximus Alderman, Joseph Alderman, Donnie T. Smith, Tim Mitchell, Eddie Rodgers, Jayson Neighbors, Clint Slaton, and Aaron Qualls.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Hot Springs Police Department, Piney Fire Department, Garland County Sheriff's Office, Vet to Vet Cafe, Pastor’s Coffee, Garland County Jail Ministries, Mountain Pine Athletes, Zack Shaffer, Rev. J.B. Brown, Dr. Troy Oxner, Veterans Community Partnership of the Ouachitas, Spring Riders, and Masonic Lodge #62.