J.D. Smith

J.D. Smith, 84 year-old resident of Gentry, Arkansas, died December 20, 2005, at Washington Regional Hospital, Fayetteville, Arkansas. Born October 21, 1921 in Rowell, Arkansas, he was the son of W.R. Smith and Clara Thornton Smith. He was first elected to the Gentry City Council in 1955 and served for 15 years. He returned to the City Council in 1983 and served through 1986 when he was elected mayor. He was again elected to the City Council in 1997 and was chairman of the Finance Committee and member of the Water and Wastewater Committee. He was employed by the Benton County Assessor?s Office for 5 years. He was named Alderman of the Year for the State of Arkansas and was named Citizen of the Year by the Gentry Chamber of Commerce. He was an active member of the Gentry Lion?s Club for 41 years and has the distinction of having perfect attendance for all those years. He served the organization in many capacities, most recently as the President. He was also an active member of the American Legion Post #159 having served in World War II. He was a member of the United States Army and was one of the select few survivors of Normandy on Omaha Beach on D-Day. Throughout the years, he served in various organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce, Gentry Public Schools, the United Methodist Church and various community groups. He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine Ratcliff in 2000; and two brothers. Survivors include one daughter Clara Joyce Smith Garrett of Gentry, Arkansas; two grandsons, Matthew Garrett of Paragould, Arkansas and Denny Garrett of North Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister Gertie Phelps of Mena, Arkansas. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, December 22, 2005, at Gentry United Methodist Church, Gentry, Arkansas, with Lonnie Nelson and Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Gentry Cemetery, Gentry, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wed., Dec. 21, 2005, at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gentry United Methodist Church Building Fund, Gentry, Arkansas.

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J.D. Smith

October 21, 1921 - December 20, 2005