Walter Smith

Walter Smith, Jr., age 92, of Rison, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at his home. Mr. Smith was born October 4, 1922 in Fordyce, Arkansas to the late Walter and Grace Mae Rodgers Smith Sr. He served in the United States Coast Guard and the United States Navy during World War II. He fought in the battle at Coral Sea. He was a Deputy Sheriff for Cleveland County for over fifty years. Mr. Smith was a member of the American Legion, DAV, and the American Sheriff's Association. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sybil Louise Miller Smith, whom he married on October 30, 1942; three sisters and three brothers. Mr. Smith is survived by three sons, David (Sandra) Smith of Gould, Anthony (Connie) Smith of Rison, and Joe (Amy) Smith of Bryant; half-sister, Doris Moore of Georgia; six grandchildren, Jared Smith, Eric Smith, Shannon Smith, Brenna Smith, Kaydi Ricketts, and Hannah Harris; three great-grandchildren, Tristan Ricketts, Eli and Hadley Smith. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Buie Funeral Home in Rison with B.J. Johnson officiating. Burial will follow at Wright Cemetery near Fordyce. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2015 at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Eric Smith, Phillip Smith, Kevin Smith, Johnny Ratliff, Tim Roberts, Jared Smith, Jimmy Smith and Jamie Travelstead. Arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison. (870) 325-6216.