Perry Thomas Smith, Sr.

Graveside services for Perry Thomas Smith, Sr., 92, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith, with Bro. Steve Young officiating. Interment will be under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home.

Perry left for Heaven on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, in Fort Smith, surrounded by his family. He was born on February 9, 1933, in Hugo, Oklahoma, to Earl and Nellie (McBride) Smith.

Perry served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army, enlisting on March 12, 1953. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Alaska. He proudly dedicated 25 years, 7 months, and 3 days to active service before retiring. Following retirement, he continued his commitment in the reserves, working as a diesel mechanic.

He was a member of Haven Heights Baptist Church and a 32° Master Mason. Perry also worked at Borden Dairy in Little Rock and USA Truck before fully retiring to enjoy mornings at Hardee’s with his friends, fishing, horse races, and the occasional trip to the casino. He was a proud pool champion, and coin collecting was a hobby he shared with his son. His greatest joy in life, however, was his family. Known for his big smile and kind heart, he never met a stranger and was loved by all who knew him.

Perry was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kenneth Smith; his brother, C.L. Smith; and his sister, Lois Flowers.

He leaves behind a beautiful legacy: his wife of 68 years, Juanita Smith; his daughter, Teresa Sumrall of Greenwood, AR; two sons, Perry Smith, Jr., and his wife, Melissa, of Van Buren, AR and Ron Smith and his wife, Donnetta, of Fort Smith; three sisters, Juanita Flowers of Coos Bay, OR, Earlene Pine of Midland, TX, and Geraldine Troupe of Dibble, OK; eight grandchildren, Shannon Traxson (Will), Staci Cox (Jimmy), Trey Smith (Brooke), Levi Smith, Gabe Smith (Kate), Luke Smith, and Trisha Smith (Josh), Gaylon Wiseman (Christie); ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way; many dear nieces and nephews; countless friends and his dog, Nellie.

Pallbearers will be Gaylon Wiseman, Trey Smith, Gabe Smith, Levi Smith, Luke Smith, Jimmy Cox, and Will Traxson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Haven Heights Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 2:00–4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, at Ocker-Putman Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR.