Sonny Dale Smith

With humble acceptance of God’s will, we announce the passing of Lennon Dale “Sonny” Smith, 74, of Harrison, AR, formerly of the Sulphur Springs Community in AR, on Thursday, February 15th. He peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born May 30th, 1949, to Charlie Douglas Parker and LD Smith in West Helena, AR. He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by Rita, his wife of 41 years, their fur baby, Beamer; son, William Franklin “Buddy” Smith, daughter-in-law, Alma Liliana, as well as their fur babies, Drake, Kiki, and Presley of Tulsa, OK; mother-in-law, Shirley Morris, of the home; sisters-in-law, Vickie Taylor (Perry) of the Sulphur Springs Community and Sarah Powell (Wayne) of Harrison and numerous nieces, nephews, and greats. They will forever treasure his guidance, love, and memories.

He was a faithful and active member of Grubb Springs Baptist Church. While living in Sulphur Springs, he was a devoted member of Shannon Road Baptist Church. Sonny loved the Lord, his family, and church family.

He will be remembered for his ability to make people laugh, although his greatest joy was found in the laughter and love of children. He touched the lives of countless individuals.

Hunting and fishing were two of his favorite things. He spent hours watching Gunsmoke, Tales of Wells Fargo, and many other westerns.

He served four years in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He worked extensively in law enforcement, specifically the West Helena Police Department, Pine Bluff Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Arkansas Department of Corrections, and the Arkansas Board of Corrections.

Sonny leaves a legacy of faith and love that will continue to inspire and uplift us in the days ahead. Although he may be gone from our sight, we take comfort in knowing he is now in the arms of our Heavenly Father, where there is no more pain and suffering. Sonny will be dearly missed but will live on in the hearts and memories of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Rest in peace, Sweetheart. Your memory will forever live on in our hearts.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me, though he die, yet shall he live.’” John 11:25 (ESV)

A Celebration of Life to honor Sonny will be held at Grubb Springs Baptist Church, 4884 Grub Springs Road, Harrison, AR on Saturday, February 24th, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, led by Bro. Bill Beach. A meal will be served to provide an opportunity for family and friends to gather and share memories in honor of Sonny.

A second Celebration of Life will be held at Shannon Road Baptist Church, 6817 Shannon Road, Pine Bluff, AR on Saturday, March 2nd, 1:00 to 3:00 pm, led by Bro. Josh Blevins. A meal will be served to provide an opportunity for family and friends to gather and share memories in honor of Sonny.

The family requests attendees to dress casually, including blue jeans, to honor Sonny’s laid-back spirit and love for comfort.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Home for Healing, 4300 West Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205 (homeforhealing.org) or Hospice of the Hills, P. O. Box 2020, Harrison, AR 72602 (hospiceofthehills.com) in honor of Sonny's memory.

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