Loyd D. Smith

Loyd David Smith, 91, of Gentry died Friday, July 10, 2015, in Siloam Springs. He was born May 6, 1924, in Lantry, South Dakota, to the late Frank Alfred and Mabel Schultz Smith. The family moved to Arkansas in 1938 to the Gentry –Decatur area. Loyd was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Myrl McClellan Smith; brothers, Jerry Smith, Lester Smith, Fred Smith, Harold Smith and Arthur Smith; and sisters, Hazel Smith, Mabel Baker and Doris Haak. Loyd is survived by his sons, Michael Gary Smith of Maysville, and David Earl Smith and his wife Donna of Little Rock. He was known affectionately as “Paw Paw” to his two grandchildren, Samuel David Smith and wife Rickie, and Mary Katherine Henderson and husband Heath, all of Little Rock. Loyd also leaves behind two brothers, Frank Smith of Pea Ridge, Ark. and Wilbur Smith of Wellington, Kan., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Loyd proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946. Once his service was completed, he returned to Arkansas and married Myrl on March 13, 1949. Loyd was a lifelong farmer who had a successful career raising chickens and cattle and running a dairy operation on their farm just west of Gentry. An early riser by nature, you could always find him in his favorite overalls and a sale barn ball cap, tending to his chores on the family farm. He always worked hard and his fiercely independent personality ensured that he continued to do so until his health would no longer allow it. Well into his 80s, Loyd eagerly lent his expertise and wisdom to his son, Michael, helping him raise his own cattle. Loyd was a lover of the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, camping and trout fishing on the White River just below Beaver Dam. Loyd had a sharp mind, a steady nature and a practical, even-keeled approach to life. His quiet reliability and unassuming strength is a presence that will be missed by all who shared his life. As Paul Harvey so eloquently said: And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer. When He made Loyd, that’s just what God did. He made a farmer and a caretaker, a gentle soul who spent his life working hard to earn a living off the land he loved, raising a family up with straightforward and solid guidance, and being grateful for the opportunity to get up each morning and do it all again. A graveside service will be held 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at Dickson Cemetery in Cherokee City, with Rev. Rebecca Boggan of First United Methodist Church of Springdale officiating. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. to service time, Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at Wasson Funeral Home, Siloam Springs, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in his name.

Tributes

Loyd D. Smith

May 6, 1924 - July 10, 2015