Joseph Keith Smith, age 85, of Crossett passed away at the Stonegate Villa nursing home in Crossett on Jan. 11, 2018. He was born in Union County on Dec. 14, 1932 to William Leonard and Ruby Erma White Smith. He was the second of seven children born to his parents. Following high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country honorably for eight years. He was employed in the construction and metal fabrication business and was a long term member of the Boilermaker-Blacksmith union. After moving to Crossett from Oklahoma in 2013, he was watched over by two loving caretakers, sister Dianne Major, and nephew Charles Smith.
He was married first to Freda Mae Lewis of Fort Smith and with her had two children Scheryl Ann Smith Dopson (Randy) and Douglas Keith Smith. His second marriage was to his great love, Rosemary Lloyd of Liberal Kansas on Valentines Day, 1976. Preceding him in death were four of his siblings, his parents and both spouses. His desire was to be cremated and his ashes interred at the Sweet Home Family Cemetery in Union County near his parents and his youngest sister Ruby Dianne Major.
He is survived by two of his siblings; Rev. Donald Ray Smith (Pat) of Strong, Clara Emogene Cope (Travis) of Hamburg, both of his children and three grandsons, Jason Rogers of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, William and Matthew Smith of Alma, one great grandson Nathan Rogers of Sallisaw. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends left to celebrate his life and to mourn his passing. He was an avid woodworker, fisherman, hunter, accomplished welder, and loyal friend. He was quick to laugh and never failed to forgive. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Stonegate Villa nursing home for their loving care of a great man.
He was of Episcopalian faith. His brother the Rev. Donald Smith will conduct a memorial service at the Union Methodist Protestant Church on highway 129 between Strong and Huttig in the near future. All prayers for his family are appreciated.