Dr. Bob W. Smith

Dr. Bob W. Smith flew into Heaven on August 21, 2015, in Searcy, Arkansas at the age of 75. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jo Anna, of Searcy; his sons, Nathan Smith (Sarah) of Lexington, KY, Brian Stevens (Robert) of Lansing, MI, Ross Tidwell of Oklahoma City, OK; daughters, Desiree Smith (Scott) of Green Mountain, NC, Deborah McNeely, of Coto de Caza, CA, Kelly St. Pierre (John) of Oklahoma City, OK; sisters, Virginia "Jenny" Heathman (Paul) of Osceola, MO and Bonnie Solomon (Richard) of Benton; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Dr. Larry and Mary Ellen McCall and David and Roxie Minner, all of Searcy, Steve and Katie Minner of North Little Rock, and Elizabeth "Libby" Smith of Denton, TX; eight grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Bob was born on July 31, 1940, in Little Rock to Archie Columbus Smith, Sr. and Jewell Cochran Smith. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1958. He graduated from the University of Arkansas School of Medicine with BS and MD degrees in 1966. From 1972 to 1974, he practiced general medicine. From 1974 to 1977, he completed his neurology residency training at UAMS. From 1977 until his retirement on November 30, 2012, he practiced neurology. He served in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1972 where he achieved the rank of Major (O-4). From 1968 to 1969, he served in Vietnam as a surgeon caring for Vietcong civilians caught in the middle of the war. He married the love of his life, Jo Anna (Minner) Smith, on December 18, 1987, and they were blessed with their son, Nathan. Bob was not only an accomplished experimental aviator but also loved building and flying his own airplanes. Bob was also a dedicated fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks. He was a generous, caring individual who often gave wise counsel to family and friends. He had an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ and was an active and dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Searcy. Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, from 6-8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy with a celebration of his life being held on Tuesday, August 25, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Searcy. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bob's life. The family kindly requests that the dress for the service be business casual, and please do not wear black. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to First Baptist Church of Searcy. The family would like to thank Drs. Dicus, Aguinaga, and Mock, the many hospital staff, family, and friends for their dedication, care, and love.

Dr. Bob W. Smith

July 31, 1940 - August 21, 2015