of Bee Branch, AR
December 23, 1941 - June 6, 2015
M. Roger Smith. Jr. 73 of Bee Branch died Saturday June 6, 2015. He was born December 23, 1941 at Jackson, Mississippi, the adopted son of the late Malcolm R. and Elise (Herring) Smith.
He grew up and attended public schools in Houston and Dallas, Texas, and had been a resident of Arkansas since 1967.
He spent some 25 years in journalism, at the Montgomery County News, the Russellville Courier, the Dardanelle Post-Dispatch, the Paris Express and the Van Buren County Democrat, from which he retired as editor and publisher in 2007. He held a number of awards in various categories from the Arkansas Press Association and two School Bell awards from the Arkansas Education Association.
Other employment included law enforcement, retail sales, freelance outdoor writing and as a fishing guide.
He was a Mason, taking his degrees at Mt. Ida Lodge #140; he later was a member of and served as worshipful master at Pottsville Lodge #333, Paris Lodge #378 and Patterson Lodge #111.
He was at one time a certified instructor, had served two terms as District Deputy Grand Master and was Chapter Dad for Arkansas Valley DeMolay, and served one term as Northwest District Dad. He was a member of Doric Lodge #471 at Damascus, serving as Master in 2015, was a member of Arkansas York Rite Bodies and was a former member of Sons of Confederate Veterans. Over several years he conducted more than 30 Masonic funerals on behalf of various lodges and for the most part for Roller Funeral Homes of Arkansas. He had been a Kiwanian, served as his club president and as District Lt. Governor in western Arkansas; served 21 years on the board of the Van Buren County Special School, including five years as board chairmen was the founding chairman of Helping Hands of North Logan County, later Community Outreach Services, and in other civic capacities. He was a former member of Mensa.
Survivors include several cousins and a stepdaughter.
Graveside Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 11, 2105 at Huie Cemetery, Clinton, Arkansas.
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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10 Condolence(s)
Joe Altick
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Rog was my oldest, closest and dearest friend for 60 years. We grew up together and stayed in touch all these years. He was my "big brother," mentor, confidant and listening ear. He was a kind, gentle, brilliant, and deeply religious man who thought more of others than himself. Rest in eternal peace in God's everlasting arms, my friend. Well done, good and faithful servant.
Pam Bradford
Saturday, June 13, 2015
So Sad to hear. RIP Roger. Prayers for friends & family
Alice Chambers
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Rest in peace Rog, we didn't always see eye to eye but he was fair and always took a personal interest in everyone on his staff. We worked together for six years at the VBC Democrat and they were great years. He had a brilliant mind, and a kind heart.
Roberta Katz-Messenger
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Always had great respect for Roger and his many works. He was a good friend and noble seeker. Rest in peace, Roger.
Trina Jones
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Roger was such a sweet man. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Roger. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Nathan L Brandenburv
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Mr. Smith will be sorely missed by his friends here in Paris and his brothers in the lodges.
Debbie Gray
Monday, June 8, 2015
Such a great man that will be missed by so many.
Chris and Leah Hutto
Monday, June 8, 2015
Dear Family-Just a quick note to say that Roger was a good guy and had a very big heart..He was always kind and cared for people...He will be missed and you are in our thoughts and prayers. RIP-Roger-Dodger...
Faye Rodgers
Monday, June 8, 2015
Condolences to the family.
Mary Archer
Monday, June 8, 2015
You were a good boss , you gave me a job at the Van Buren County Democrat and I loved the job, but more than that you were first a friend. I Will miss you , we went to the doctor many trips and you fought a long battle. You beat the odds for many years and outlived the doctors diagnosis .R.I.P now old friend. Mary