Warren Aylmer Smith

Warren Aylmer Smith, 90, died at home, surrounded by his loving family, in Little Rock on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.  He was born on April 15, 1933, in Mexico, Missouri, the son of Dr. Blake and Alberta Riley Smith of Austin, TX, the third of five sons. Family lore is rich with stories about the mischievous Smith boys, with whom he maintained close relationships through the years.  Warren was the last Smith brother to pass.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather (Ol’ Pal).  He met the love of his life, Ann Dillon, at Centenary College and they married in 1954.  
 
Warren enjoyed a long and successful career as an actuarial consultant with stops in Hartford, CT, Nashville, TN, Shreveport, LA, Monroe, LA, and Overland Park, KS.  In 1976, he moved his family to Little Rock, AR, to open an office of Werntz & Associates, an actuarial consultancy.  In 1991, he formed and became president of Smith, DeCoursey & Associates, where he remained until his retirement.
 
Warren was an athlete and an avid competitor. He believed strongly in the power of sport to enrich our lives.  He played baseball in high school, and was scouted by the New York Yankees before deciding to attend college as an Economics major.  He played golf for years, before turning to tennis when he was in his 40s in the Kansas City area.  He continued playing tennis in Little Rock at the LR Athletic Club, and competed at the national level in a number of tournaments through the United States Tennis Association and USA Tennis League.  He won the USTA national senior doubles championship in 1999.
 
Among other things, Warren will be remembered for his childlike sense of humor, his generosity, keen intellect, and joy of living. He collected (and shared) many a joke with friends and family.  He often performed random good deeds.  He enjoyed a good debate, and never lost his cool or good will, even when arguing with people who were diametrically opposed to his point of view.
He was a patient teacher, and understood the importance of raising his children to be surrounded by great books, music, and art. He loved a good puzzle.
 
Warren is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ann Dillon Smith; his daughters, Sandy DeCoursey and Dana Smith; four grandchildren, Brigid and Ely Bondoc (Lucille) of Vienna, VA, Brett and Cassandra DeCoursey (Alexandra, twins Jack and Finn) of Little Rock, Annie and Matt Cavenar (Owen) of Sherwood, and Jason and Emily DeCoursey (Maria and Ada) of San Antonio, TX. and seven great-grandchildren.  He also leaves behind a large extended family, including Ann’s sisters, Martha Barrett of Bedford, TX, Rachel Jones of Longview, TX and many beloved nieces and nephews.
 
The service, a celebration of Warren’s life, will be held at St. James United Methodist Church on Friday, July 7, 2023, at 10am in the Cottey Parlor.  A reception will follow at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Smith Little Rock Funeral Home.