Colonel Claude Ray Smithson

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Visitation Schedule
Public
Roller-Owens Funeral Home
5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Hwy 107
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Monday, February 9, 2015
11:00 A.M.
Service Schedule
Graveside
Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery
1501 W. Maryland Ave.
North Little Rock, AR  72120
Monday, February 9, 2015
1:00 P.M.
Cemetery
Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery
1501 West Maryland Avenue
North Little Rock, AR  72116
Colonel Claude Ray SmithsonI am a Veteran.

of Sherwood, AR

September 28, 1924 - February 3, 2015

Colonel Claude Ray Smithson, age 90, of Sherwood, Arkansas, left this earth peacefully on February 3, 2015. He was born in Ponder, Missouri, to Claude and Jewell Smithson. A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he was affectionately known as ''Pop'' to those close to him.
A member of the ''greatest generation'', his life was defined by his service to his country. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His medals and commendations include The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Army Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Army Commendation Medal with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, four overseas bars and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with two bronze service stars. Most of his military service was in Army Intelligence with one of his last tours being at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. He retired after thirty-two years of service with the Army and made his home in Sherwood.
Colonel Smithson is predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Frances Dodson Smithson; second wife, Betty Smithson; and two brothers, Max Smithson and Donald Smithson of Doniphan, Missouri.
He is survived by his son, John Smithson and wife, Judy; his grandsons, John David Smithson and Michael Smithson; and great-granddaughter, Kiera Smithson, all of Sherwood. He is also survived by his sister, Beverly Pippin and her husband, C.H., of Doniphan, Missouri; as well as two half-brothers, Joseph Kirby and Robert Kirby, of Gatewood, Missouri. He is also survived by a special niece, Dianna Farish, of Sherwood, many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family will receive friends at 11:00 A.M., Monday, February 9, 2015, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Arkansas (501-791-7400). Graveside service with military honors will be at 1:00 P.M., at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery in North Little Rock, with Dr. Richard Lee of First Baptist Church Sherwood officiating.



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5 Condolence(s)
Ken and Nancy Leslie
North Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, February 10, 2015

John, we were so sorry to hear of your Father's passing. Please know you and your family are in our prayers, and may you be blessed with wonderful memories to comfort you.

Sincerely, Ken and Nancy

Jim Smith
Tulsa, OK
Liked
Monday, February 9, 2015

I met the Colonel in 1981 through his U-Haul dealership and had the pleasure of working with him consistently till the mid 90's. All tho it took a few visits to get past his initial "gruff" exterior I quickly realizes the Colonel was a man of great integrity and pride for his county, family & friends. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to get to know him and honored to call him a friend.
John, my condolences to you and your family, we will all miss him.

Charles & Kim Foster
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, February 8, 2015

John, we were truly saddened by the news of Pop's passing. Please accept our deepest condolences for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

juju mcgee family
Jacksonville,
Liked
Thursday, February 5, 2015

Thanks for your service now you can rest in peace .May God's loving arms hold an know you are not alone..you an your loved ones will be in our prayers

Wayne Helms
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Thursday, February 5, 2015


America has lost another member of its “Greatest Generation”, A hero who so valiantly defended freedom has slipped from this life. We owe our WWII veterans a huge thank you for their selfless service during a time of great conflict. When their country called, they answered and asked nothing in return. May God grant the family and friends of Col.Claude Ray Smithson an extra measure of comfort in the days ahead, and may they forever cherish their precious memories of this Great American Patriot.I SALUTE YOU SIR !