Arvil Smith

Arvil C. "Buddy" Smith, 81, of Elm Park, Arkansas took his heavenly flight on March 7, 2010 from his home. Buddy was born on April 4, 1928 in the Freedom Community to the late Andrew and Irene (Jones) Smith. Buddy served as a deacon for 51 years to the Freedom Freewill Baptist Church where his passion for serving God and his fellow man was always evident. He was retired from the Arkansas State Highway Department. Buddy leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Joyce (Henriksen) Smith of the home; one son, Terry and Wife Janet Smith of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two daughters, Carla and husband Donnie Hardin of Booneville, Arkansas, Becky Smith of Elm Park, Arkansas; four grandchildren, Alan Smith, Melissa Smith, Jessica (Hardin) Smith, Jonathan Hardin; eight great-grandchildren, Logan, Austin, Makenzie, Callie, Cade, Dylan, Ellie Maggie, and Cale. He is also survived by one brother, Jackson Smith of Greenwood and one sister, Minnie Bonds of Elm Park, Arkansas. Buddy was preceded in death by three brothers, Billy, Jay and Leonard Smith; and one great-granddaughter, Cambry Paige Smith. Buddy's funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at the Freedom Freewill Baptist Church with interment in the Freedom Cemetery. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Mark Curtis, Nelton Henley, Jerald Hattabaugh, Shawn Hattabaugh, Steve Hattabaugh, and David Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Edmond Brewer, Ed Hine, Sonny Tuck and Sam Harwell. Visitation will be 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, March 8, 2010 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. Memorials may be made to Mercy Hospice and Palliative Care, P. O. Box 1700, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72917.